Human laryngeal ganglia contain both sympathetic and parasympathetic cell types

Abstract

The presence of ganglia associated with the laryngeal nerves is well documented. In man, these ganglia have been less well studied than in other species and, in particular, the cell types within these ganglia are less well characterized. Using a panel of antibodies to a variety of markers found in the paraganglion cells of other species, we were able to show the existence of at least two populations of cells within human laryngeal paraganglia. One population contained chromogranin and tyrosine hydroxylase representing a neurosecretory population possibly secreting dopamine. A second population of choline acetyltransferase positive cells would appear to have a putative parasympathetic function. Further work is needed to characterize these cell populations more fully before it will be possible to assign functions to these cell types but our results are consistent with the postulated functions of these ganglia as chemoreceptors, neurosecretory cells, and regulators of laryngeal mucus secretion.

Cortical basis for skilled vocalization

“…We also found infected neurons at central sites known to be involved in autonomic control, like subgenual cingulate cortex ( 20 ). It is likely that this labeling is mediated by autonomic efferents that innervate glands and blood vessels embedded in the cricothyroid muscle ( 21 – 25 ). Although the activity of these autonomic efferents can affect voice quality, these efferents are not directly involved in causing contraction of the cricothyroid muscle ( 21 – 25 ).…”

Hypoxia-inducible Factor 2α: A Key Player in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma?

“…Sympathetic paragangliomas usually exclusively produce norepinephrine, in some cases additional variable amounts of dopamine, and in isolated cases exclusively dopamine [29]. Head and neck paragangliomas, which are derived from parasympathetic ganglia, show only limited expression of TH [38,39]; thus, most are biochemically non-functional, though about 30 % produce dopamine as manifested by the increase in the dopamine metabolite, methoxytyramine [40].…”

A ganglion cell cluster along the glossopharyngeal nerve near the human palatine tonsil

“…As demonstrated in the laryngeal ganglia [1], the ganglia in the present study contained both sympathetic and parasympathetic neuron candidates. Chu [16] described a solitary ganglion cell in the submucosal tissue of the tongue: it was also similar to the neuron in our study, although Chu did not perform immunohistochemistry.…”

“…the superior laryngeal nerve and the recurrent laryngeal nerve, are accompanied by small ganglia (the laryngeal ganglia) along its peripheral course in the larynx. Ibanez et al [1] reviewed the research history and demonstrated that the laryngeal ganglia are composed of both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. This mixture of neurons is well known in the pelvic ganglia, which are also located along the peripheral course of the pelvic splanchnic and hypogastric nerves [2,3].…”