Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Technique for Isolation and Culture of Rat Jaw Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: May 31, 2024
Mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation in a rat model of obstructive sleep apnea
Alba Carreras1, Isaac Almendros, Josep M Montserrat
1Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona-IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
The aim was to test the hypothesis that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could reduce the inflammation induced by recurrent airway occlusions in an animal model of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A nasal mask was applied to 30 anesthetized rats. Twenty rats were subjected to a pattern of recurrent obstructive apneas mimicking OSA (60/h, lasting 15 s each) for 5h. MSC (5x10(6) cells) were intravenously injected into 10 of these rats. Ten rats not subjected to apneas or MSC injection were used as controls. The rat blood serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta were measured by ELISA. IL-1beta was significantly greater in the rats subjected to recurrent apneas (66.7+/-41.2 pg/mL; m+/-SEM) than in controls (1.9+/-1.0 pg/mL; p<0.05). In the group of apneic rats subjected to MSC injection, IL-1beta was significantly reduced (6.1+/-3.8 pg/mL; p<0.05). In conclusion, MSC triggered an early anti-inflammatory response in rats subjected to recurrent obstructive apneas, suggesting that these stem cells could play a role in the physiological response to counterbalance inflammation in OSA.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) reduced inflammation in a rat model of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MSC therapy shows potential for counterbalancing inflammation associated with OSA.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to inflammation.
- Recurrent airway occlusions in OSA can trigger pro-inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can mitigate inflammation in an animal model of OSA.
- To test the anti-inflammatory potential of MSC in the context of recurrent airway occlusions.
Main Methods:
- An animal model of OSA was created using rats subjected to recurrent obstructive apneas.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were intravenously administered to a subset of OSA rats.
- Serum concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta were measured using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Rats with recurrent apneas showed significantly elevated IL-1beta levels compared to controls.
- MSC treatment significantly reduced IL-1beta levels in rats experiencing obstructive apneas.
- MSC administration demonstrated an early anti-inflammatory effect in the OSA model.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in a rat model of obstructive sleep apnea.
- MSC therapy may offer a therapeutic strategy to counteract inflammation in OSA patients.
- These findings suggest a role for MSC in the physiological regulation of inflammation during OSA.
