Laryngeal reflexomyographic responses in rabbits: A neurolaryngological study of glottal movement

The role of the laryngeal reflex in glottal movement has been reported, but its mechanism remains une lear. To further investigate the neurophysiologi cal characteristics of glottal movement, we recorded the laryngeal reflexom yographic responses (LRMRs) to electrical stimulation of the superior laryn geal nerve (SLN) in rabbits. The procedure involved simultaneous recording of the LRMRs from the thyroarytenoid muscles by means of bipolar hooked wir e electrodes after electrical stimulation to the SLN. The results demonstra ted characteristic patterns of the responses, consisting of R1 and R2, Simi lar to those found in humans. The R1 response was obtained with a latency o f 10.7 +/- 0.78 ms. The ipsilateral R2 response was obtained with a latency of 43.76 +/- 4.67 ms in all rabbits, and the contralateral R2 response wit h a latency from 42.6 to 5023 ms in 4 rabbits. It was concluded that LRMRs may serve as a potential central laryngeal function Lest in the investigati on of glottal movement control.