An In Vitro Model for Studying Neuromuscular Transmission in the Mouse Pharynx

Abstract

The muscles of the pharynx are controlled by networks of neurons under the control of specific regions in the brainstem, which have been fairly well studied. However, the transmission between these neurons and the pharyngeal muscles, at the motor end plates, is less well understood. Therefore an in vitro model for studies of neuromuscular transmission in pharyngeal muscle of the mouse was developed. Ring preparations from the inferior constrictor and the cricopharyngeus muscles were isolated and mounted for isometric force recording at physiological temperature. Preparations from the diaphragm and the soleus muscles were examined in parallel. The muscles were stimulated at supramaximal voltage with short tetani at 100 Hz. Following direct stimulation of the muscle fibers, using a longer pulse-duration, the rate of force development of the pharyngeal muscles was similar to that of the diaphragm and faster than that of the soleus muscle.

Ageing and muscular dystrophy differentially affect murine pharyngeal muscles in a region‐dependent manner

“…; Ekberg et al . ). These muscles arise during vertebrate development from the third and fourth pharyngeal arches (Mootoosamy & Dietrich, ; Noden & Francis‐West, ) and are comprised of the stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus and the superior, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles (Dutta & Basmajian, ; Himmelreich, ; Donner et al .…”

A dysphagia model with denervation of the pharyngeal constrictor muscles in guinea pigs: functional evaluation of swallowing

“…The nerve transections were made alongside the lateral edge of the thyroid cartilage, resulting in a marked thinning of the TP muscle, and, thereby, attenuation of the pharyngeal constriction during swallowing ( 39 – 41 ). Meanwhile, the CP muscle functions as a sphincter muscle whose activity is inhibited in accordance with pharyngeal swallowing, determining the resistance of bolus passage at the esophageal entrance ( 38 , 42 – 44 ).…”

A muscle stem cell for every muscle: variability of satellite cell biology among different muscle groups

“…Swallowing depends on the synchronous contraction of seven major muscles lining the nasal, oral, and laryngeal pharynxes to ensure propulsion of food and liquid from the oral cavity into the esophagus ( Donner et al, 1985 ; Rubesin et al, 1987 ; Ekberg et al, 2009 ). Pharyngeal muscles arise from the cranial paraxial mesoderm of the third and fourth pharyngeal arches with contributions from splanchnic mesoderm ( Figure 1 ; Kelly et al, 2004 ; Noden and Francis-West, 2006 ; Nathan et al, 2008 ).…”

“…Pharyngeal muscles arise from the cranial paraxial mesoderm of the third and fourth pharyngeal arches with contributions from splanchnic mesoderm ( Figure 1 ; Kelly et al, 2004 ; Noden and Francis-West, 2006 ; Nathan et al, 2008 ). Pharyngeal muscles include the stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles ( Dutta and Basmajian, 1960 ; Himmelreich, 1973 ; Donner et al, 1985 ; Rubesin et al, 1987 ; Ekberg et al, 2009 ). The inferior pharyngeal constrictor can be subdivided into the cricopharyngeus and the thyropharyngeus muscles ( Donner et al, 1985 ; Rubesin et al, 1987 ; Ekberg et al, 2009 ).…”

“…Pharyngeal muscles include the stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus, and the superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles ( Dutta and Basmajian, 1960 ; Himmelreich, 1973 ; Donner et al, 1985 ; Rubesin et al, 1987 ; Ekberg et al, 2009 ). The inferior pharyngeal constrictor can be subdivided into the cricopharyngeus and the thyropharyngeus muscles ( Donner et al, 1985 ; Rubesin et al, 1987 ; Ekberg et al, 2009 ). Recent in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that pharyngeal satellite cells have unique biological characteristics compared to hindlimb satellite cells.…”