BackgroundPatients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aims of this study were to develop a rat model of OSAS and to validate the use of the model by investigating respiratory and cardiovascular physiological parameters and morphological changes by light microscopy and electron microscopy.Material/MethodsSixty 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the model group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). The rats in the OSAS model group were injected with 0.1 ml sodium hyaluronate solution into the upper respiratory tract at the junction between the hard and soft palate. After one month, the model and normal rats were compared using tests of respiratory and cardiac function, and histology and electron microscopy of the lung and cardiac tissue.ResultsIn the rat model of OSAS, airway obstruction resulted in the collapse of the upper airway. Tests of respiratory function showed that the oxygen partial pressure, oxygen concentration, and oxygen saturation in the model group were significantly lower when compared with the control group. In the model group, histology of the heart showed cardiac myocyte disarray, and electron microscopy showed vacuolar degeneration and mitochondrial abnormalities. The rat model of upper airway occlusion showed pulmonary and cardiac changes that have been described in OSAS.ConclusionsA rat model of upper airway occlusion resulted in physiological and morphological changes in the lung and heart due to hypoxia, and may be used for future studies on OSAS.
Background/aim: To prepare a porcine model of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and observe the pathological and hemodynamic changes in the common carotid artery. Materials and methods: Twelve male miniature pigs were randomly divided into the model and control group (n = 6). Pigs in the model group were kept in an air-flow negative pressure chamber at 0.96 ± 0.01 kPa, and the air oxygen content, temperature, and humidity were kept at normal culture conditions in both groups. After pigs in the model group presented symptoms of OSAHS, changes in the hemodynamics and morphology of the carotid artery were analyzed using color Doppler, and light and electron microscopy. Results: An animal model of OSAHS was successfully created. The internal diameter of the carotid artery of pigs in the model group was decreased, while the intima thickness, peak-systolic mean velocity, and resistance index were increased when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The results of the light and electron microscopy revealed an incomplete elastic plate, increased media thickness, irregular morphology of the smooth muscle cells, increased collagen fiber bundles, partially disordered elastic fibers, and smooth muscle layers. The quantitative analysis showed significantly increased elastic fibers in the media of the carotid artery in the model group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Pathological changes in the tissue structure and hemodynamics in the negative pressure-induced pig OSAHS model were observed. We suggest that alterations in the upper airway pressure during OSAHS may lead to cardiovascular conditions through its pathological effects on the carotid artery.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.