Multiple sensor theory in airway mechanosensory units

Abstract

Two conventional doctrines govern airway mechanosensory interpretation: One-Sensor Theory (OST) and Line-Labeled Theory (LLT). In OST, one afferent fiber connects to a single sensor. In LLT, a different type of sensor sends signals via its specific line to a particular brain region to evoke its reflex. Thus, airway slowly adapting receptors (SARs) inhibit breathing and rapidly adapting receptors (RARs) stimulate breathing. However, recent studies show many different mechanosensors connect to a single afferent fiber (Multiple-Sensor Theory, MST). That is, SARs and RARs may send different types of information through the same afferent pathway, indicating different information has been integrated at the sensory unit level. Thus, a sensory unit is not merely a transducer (textbook concept), but also a processor. MST is a conceptual shift. Data generated over last eight decades under OST require re-interpretation.