Desflurane but not sevoflurane augments laryngeal C-fiber inputs to nucleus tractus solitarii neurons by activating transient receptor potential-A1

Thus, the sensitization of the laryngeal C-fiber endings by irritant volatile anesthetics is transmitted to the NTS via activation of the TRPA1 and is associated with a prolonged reflexively evoked expiratory apnea. The findings may help to explain local deleterious effects of irritant volatile general anesthetics on the airways during inhaled induction or bronchodilator therapy for status asthmatics.