| 研究実績の概要 |
In this study, we investigate the involvement of TRPV4 in initiating the swallowing reflex. Our observations reveal that TRPV4 immunoreactive nerve fibers present in the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN)-innervated swallowing-related regions. Retrograde tracing with fluorogold reveals localization of TRPV4 on approximately 25% of SLN-afferent neurons in the nodose-petrosal-jugular ganglionic complex. Among them, approximately 49% are large, 35% medium, and 15% small-sized SLN-afferent neurons. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrates that the topical administration of a chemical agonists targeting TRPV4, GSK1016790A, in swallowing-related regions, leads to a dose-dependent facilitation of the swallowing reflex. Notably, the preapplication of antagonists for TRPV4 significantly mitigates the GSK1016790A-induced swallowing reflex. These findings underscore the potential of targeting TRPV4 to develop therapeutics to enhance swallowing function.
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