CHOLINERGIC AGENTS IN THE LARYNGEAL CHEMOREFLEX MODEL OF SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME

The laryngeal chemoreflex results in apnea, laryngospasm, and cardiova scular changes that can be fatal when a liquid stimulus is placed on t he laryngeal mucosa of infant mammals. This study of 35 piglets assess ed the effects of the cholinergic agents atropine and edrophonium on t his laryngeal reflex response. Atropine, when placed intrathecally, re sulted in a significant reduction of apnea as well as a decrease in th e cardiovascular changes that occur during the reflex 60 minutes follo wing its injection. Edrophonium, when placed intrathecally, resulted i n a significant prolongation of apnea as well as death by asystole in 2 animals during laryngeal stimulation. Atropine placed intravenously also resulted in a significant reduction of apnea length, but required greater than 180 minutes to do so.