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A new device to mimic intermittent hypoxia in mice
Kamil J Chodzyński1, Stephanie Conotte, Luc Vanhamme
1Fluid-Machines Department, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium. kamil.chodzynski@umons.ac.be
Plos One
|April 9, 2013
Summary
A new device precisely controls intermittent hypoxia (hypoxia-reoxygenation) in mice for research. This tool enables accurate studies on conditions like sleep apnea and COPD, advancing cardiovascular disease research.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Medical Devices
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Intermittent hypoxia (IH), characterized by cycles of low oxygen (hypoxia) and normal oxygen (reoxygenation), is linked to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Existing research methods for IH in animal models often lack precise control and standardization, hindering reproducible studies.
- Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involve IH, making them critical areas for investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel device designed for controlled and standardized intermittent hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles in individual mice.
- To demonstrate the device's capability in precisely modulating hypoxia-reoxygenation parameters, including severity and frequency.
- To provide a reliable tool for researchers investigating the pathological effects of IH in various disease models.
Main Methods:
- Development of a device enabling individual mouse exposure to controlled hypoxia-normoxia cycles using an open-loop gas flow strategy.
- Utilization of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for system evaluation and validation.
- In vivo confirmation of device accuracy through monitoring hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) changes in mice.
- System parameter modification to assess the generation of varying severities and frequencies of cyclic hypoxemia.
Main Results:
- The device successfully delivered controlled and standardized hypoxia-normoxia cycles to individual mice.
- CFD analyses and in vivo SpO2 measurements confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the gas delivery system.
- The system demonstrated precise control over the severity and frequency of cyclic hypoxemia, including high-frequency cycles.
- Key parameters influencing reoxygenation were identified and their importance highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The developed device offers a precise and standardized method for inducing intermittent hypoxia in mice.
- This tool facilitates robust investigation into the physiological and pathological consequences of IH.
- It holds significant potential for advancing research in conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, and related cardiovascular diseases.
