Chemogenetic stimulation of the hypoglossal neurons improves upper airway patency.

ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep. OSA leads to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of OSA has been linked to a defect in neuromuscular control of the pharynx. There is no effective pharmacotherapy for OSA. The objective of this study was to determine whether upper airway patency can be improved using chemogenetic approach by deploying designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) in the hypoglossal motorneurons. DREADD (rAAV5-hSyn-hM3(Gq)-mCherry) and control virus (rAAV5-hSyn-EGFP) were stereotactically administered to the hypoglossal nucleus of C57BL/6J mice. In 6-8 weeks genioglossus EMG and dynamic MRI of the upper airway were performed before and after administration of the

SUBMITTER: Fleury Curado T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5345079 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature