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The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus: a review of animal studies and the implications for cranial nerve function in humans

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Abstract

To review the scientific literature on the relationship between Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF) and cranial nerve function in animal models, with view to evaluating the potential role of KF maturation in explaining age-related normal physiologic parameters and developmental and acquired impairment of cranial nerve function in humans. Medical databases (Medline and PubMed). Studies investigating evidence of KF activity responsible for a specific cranial nerve function that were based on manipulation of KF activity or the use of neural markers were included. Twenty studies were identified that involved the trigeminal (6 studies), vagus (9), and hypoglossal nerves (5). These pertained specifically to a role of the KF in mediating the dive reflex, laryngeal adductor control, swallowing function and upper airway tone. The KF acts as a mediator of a number of important functions that relate primarily to laryngeal closure, upper airway tone and swallowing. These areas are characterized by a variety of disorders that may present to the otolaryngologist, and hence the importance of understanding the role played by the KF in maintaining normal function.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Nanna Browaldh

  2. Department of ENT Diseases, B 53, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden

    Nanna Browaldh

  3. Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Tara G. Bautista & Mathias Dutschmann

  4. Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia

    Nanna Browaldh & Robert G. Berkowitz

  5. Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Robert G. Berkowitz

Authors
  1. Nanna Browaldh
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  2. Tara G. Bautista
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  3. Mathias Dutschmann
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  4. Robert G. Berkowitz
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nanna Browaldh.

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The authors have no financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Funding

Nanna Browaldh is supported by grants from the Acta Otolaryngologica Foundation, the Paul Frenckner Foundation, Hirsch Fellowship for Surgeons, the Karolinska Institute Travel Grant and Hirsch Travel Grant for Surgeons, and the Rosa and Emanuel Nachmansson Foundation. Mathias Dutschmann is supported by an Australian Research Council future fellowship. Tara Bautista and Mathias Dutschmann are supported by the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and also acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government through the Operational Infrastructure Scheme.

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Browaldh, N., Bautista, T.G., Dutschmann, M. et al. The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus: a review of animal studies and the implications for cranial nerve function in humans. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 273, 3505–3510 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3861-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3861-9

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