Recurring exposure to low humidity induces transcriptional and protein level changes in the vocal folds of rabbits.

ABSTRACT: Voice disorders are an important human health condition. Hydration is a commonly recommended preventive measure for voice disorders though it is unclear how vocal fold dehydration is harmful at the cellular level. Airway surface dehydration can result from exposure to low humidity air. Here we have induced airway surface dehydration in New Zealand White rabbits exposed to a recurring 8-h low humidity environment over 15 days. This model mimics an occupational exposure to a low humidity environment. Exposure to moderate humidity was the control condition. Full thickness soft-tissue samples, including the vocal folds and surrounding laryngeal tissue, were collected for molecular analysis. RT-qPCR demonstrated a significant upregulation of MUC4 (mucin 4) and SCL26A9 (chloride channel) and a l

SUBMITTER: Bailey TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8683398 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature