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Evaluation of Respiratory System Mechanics in Mice using the Forced Oscillation Technique
Published on: May 15, 2013
Pulmonary sensory and reflex responses in the mouse
J W Zhang1, J F Walker, J Guardiola
1Pulmonary Div., Department of Medicine. University of Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
Summary
Mice possess pulmonary vagal afferents similar to larger animals. This study characterized mouse airway sensors and respiratory reflexes, confirming conserved physiological functions in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Respiratory System
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mouse models are crucial for genetic research.
- Pulmonary vagal afferent function in mice remains poorly understood.
- Comparing mouse pulmonary afferents to those in larger animals is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of pulmonary vagal afferents in mice.
- To determine if these afferents resemble those found in larger animal models.
- To elucidate the role of these afferents in respiratory reflexes.
Main Methods:
- Recording single-unit activity in the cervical vagus nerve of anesthetized mice.
- Evaluating mechanosensitive and chemosensitive airway receptors.
- Assessing respiratory reflexes, including the Hering-Breuer reflex and chemoreflex, via phrenic nerve activity.
- Utilizing bilateral vagotomy to confirm reflex pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified 153 single units, with 141 being mechanosensitive (134 inflation, 7 deflation receptors).
- Characterized 12 chemosensitive, mechanically insensitive receptors resembling C-fiber or high-threshold Adelta-receptors.
- Observed typical Hering-Breuer and chemoreflex responses (apnea, bradycardia, hypotension) upon lung inflation and phenylbiguanide injection, respectively.
- Confirmed that bilateral vagotomy abolished these pulmonary reflexes.
Conclusions:
- Mice exhibit a comparable set of airway sensors to those found in larger animals.
- Pulmonary reflexes in mice are similar to those observed in larger mammals.
- The mouse is a suitable model for studying pulmonary vagal afferent function and respiratory reflexes.
