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. 2021 Dec 4;14(12):100617. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100617

Table 1.

Neuro-anatomical properties and functional role of cough chemosensitive and stretch receptors in vagal afferent neuronal pathways from human and animal clinical models. SARs (slow adapting receptors), RARs (rapid adapting receptors), ∗chemoreceptors can act as high threshold mechano (stretch) receptors, • bronchoconstriction, cough and mucus secretion, ο Respiratory drive blockage and initiation of expiration

Vagus nerve Peripheral afferent distribution6 Neuronal type Triggers8 Role22,25,31,87 Chemical predilection/Muscarinic activity25,88,89 Capsaicin challenge25,89 Receptor agonist6,90 Overlap of receptors in proximal airway6
Chemoreceptors
Jugular ganglia
  • -

    Main bronchus

  • -

    Trachea

  • -

    Lungs

 C fibers (unmyelinated) Chemicals and lung inflation∗ Airway clearance of inhaled chemicals and inflammatory products Chemical predilection to:- Nicotine- Hypertonic solutionMuscarinic stimulatory role• Cough hyper-responsiveness Bradykinin Overlap with stretch receptors
Nodose ganglia
  • -

    Bronchioles

  • -

    Alveoli

 C fibers (unmyelinated) Chemicals and lung inflation∗ Airway clearance of inhaled chemicals and inflammatory products Chemical predilection to:- Adenosine triphosphate- Serotonin (exclusive)Muscarinic stimulatory role• Cough hyper-responsiveness Bradykinin No overlap with stretch receptors
Stretch receptors (nodose ganglia)
RARs Intrapulmonary (majority) A-δ fibers Change in airway mechanical properties Airway clearance of inhaled matter and aspirated products Muscarinic stimulatory role• No response pH alteration Overlap with chemoreceptors
SARs
  • -

    Bronchioles

  • -

    Alveoli

 A-δ fibers End-inspiratory cycle Airway clearance of inhaled matter and aspirated products Muscarinic inhibitory role ο No response pH alteration Overlap with chemoreceptors