Title | Subcutaneous Neurotrophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Andreatta RD, Stemple J, Seward TS, McMullen CA |
Journal | J Vis Exp |
Issue | 124 |
Date Published | 2017 06 13 |
ISSN | 1940-087X |
Keywords | Aging, Animals, Humans, Infusion Pumps, Implantable, Infusions, Subcutaneous, Injections, Intramuscular, Laryngeal Muscles, Nerve Growth Factors, Neuromuscular Junction, Rats, Inbred F344, Synaptic Transmission, Vocal Cord Dysfunction |
Abstract | Laryngeal dysfunction in the elderly is a major cause of disability, from voice disorders to dysphagia and loss of airway protective reflexes. Few, if any, therapies exist that target age-related laryngeal muscle dysfunction. Neurotrophins are involved in muscle innervation and differentiation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). It is thought that neurotrophins enhance neuromuscular transmission by increasing neurotransmitter release. The neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) become smaller and less abundant in aging rat laryngeal muscles, with evidence of functional denervation. We explored the effects of NTF4 for future clinical use as a therapeutic to improve function in aging human laryngeal muscles. Here, we provide the detailed protocol for systemic application and direct injection of NTF4 to investigate the ability of aging rat laryngeal muscle to remodel in response to NTF4 application. In this method, rats either received NTF4 either systemically via osmotic pump or by direct injection through the vocal folds. Laryngeal muscles were then dissected and used for histological examination of morphology and age-related denervation. |
DOI | 10.3791/55837 |
Alternate Journal | J Vis Exp |
PubMed ID | 28654072 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC5608439 |
Grant List | R01 DC011285 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States R21 DC010806 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States |