American scientists from the University of Washington and the Georgia Institute of Technology have isolated neurons responsible for sneezing and coughing reactions in the respiratory tracts of mice. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Cell.
The team discovered a compound called BAM 8-22 that causes mice to sneeze.
Previous studies have shown that this compound activates the MrgprC11 ion channel. To confirm their predictions, the scientists removed neurons from the airways of laboratory mice infected with the flu virus. Despite the disease, the animals stopped sneezing.
The team used much the same approach to identify the neurons responsible for triggering the cough. The researchers discovered nerve centers in the trachea that expressed a specific chemical. Removing these neurons eliminated the cough response.
In the future, the experts plan to find out what processes follow the activation of sneezing or coughing neurons. The team also plans to find out whether similar types of neurons work in humans.
Studying these triggers could help develop more effective treatments for respiratory symptoms, the scientists noted.
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