Decreased Surface Tension of Upper Airway Mucosal Lining Liquid Increases Upper Airway Patency in Anaesthetised Rabbits

Effect of surface tension of mucosal lining liquid on upper airway mechanics in anesthetized humans.

Upper airway (UA) patency may be influenced by surface tension (gamma) operating within the (UAL). We examined the role of gamma of UAL in the maintenance of UA patency in eight isoflurane-anesthetized supine human subjects breathing via a nasal mask connected to a pneumotachograph attached to a pressure delivery system. We evaluated 1). mask pressure at which the UA closed (Pcrit), 2). UA resi...

Relationship between surface tension of upper airway lining liquid and upper airway collapsibility during sleep in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.

Lowering surface tension (gamma) of upper airway lining liquid (UAL) reduces upper airway opening (anesthetized humans) and closing (anesthetized rabbits) pressures. We now hypothesize that in sleeping obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients lowering gamma of UAL will enhance upper airway stability and decrease the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. Nine OSAHS patients [...

Upper airway patency during apnoea of prematurity.

Twenty four preterm infants (median birth weight 1120 g and gestation 29 weeks) were studied on 83 occasions by measuring upper airway airflow. Airway patency was detected by the transmission of cardiac impulse up the airway and airway closure by its absence. A total of 309 apnoeas of at least five seconds' duration were recorded. One hundred and eighty (58.0%) were central, 109 (35.5%) mixed, ...

Central mechanisms controlling upper airway patency

Neuromechanical control of upper airway patency during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by pharyngeal occlusion due to alterations in upper airway mechanical properties and/or disturbances in neuromuscular control. The objective of the study was to determine the relative contribution of mechanical loads and dynamic neuromuscular responses to pharyngeal collapse during sleep. Sixteen obstructive sleep apnea patients and sixteen normal subjects were...