Subcutaneous Neurotrophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles.

TitleSubcutaneous Neurotrophin 4 Infusion Using Osmotic Pumps or Direct Muscular Injection Enhances Aging Rat Laryngeal Muscles.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsAndreatta RD, Stemple J, Seward TS, McMullen CA
JournalJ Vis Exp
Issue124
Date Published2017 06 13
ISSN1940-087X
KeywordsAging, 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.

DOI10.3791/55837
Alternate JournalJ Vis Exp
PubMed ID28654072
PubMed Central IDPMC5608439
Grant ListR01 DC011285 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States
R21 DC010806 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States