Abnormalities in the genioglossus muscle and its neuromuscular synapse in leptin-deficient male mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genioglossus (GG) muscle, the largest upper airway dilator muscle, plays a crucial role in maintaining pharyngeal airway patency. It is innervated by hypoglossal motoneurons, and its tone is often reduced in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), leading to tongue collapse and airway obstruction during sleep. Although the mechanisms underlying this disorder are not fully understood, the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of the GG muscle, essential for communication between motor neurons and skeletal muscle, has largely been overlooked.

Methods

In this study, we explored whether obesity impacts the NMJ of the GG muscle. Using the leptin-deficient obese mouse model, Lep^ob/ob, which exhibits pharyngeal collapsibility and hypoventilation, we analyzed t

SUBMITTER: Medharametla S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12228284 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature