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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
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Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
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Neural Mechanisms Contributing to Dysphagia in Mouse Models
Cameron J Hinkel1, Rishi Sharma2, Mahesh M Thakkar2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Summary
Understanding swallowing control is key to treating dysphagia. This study introduces a new mouse model combining brainstem neural recordings with videofluoroscopic swallow studies for better research into swallowing disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Translational Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dysphagia research is limited by poor understanding of neural swallowing mechanisms.
- Translational research models are crucial for developing effective dysphagia treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative assessment tool for studying neural control of swallowing.
- To investigate swallowing mechanisms in unrestrained, self-feeding mice.
Main Methods:
- Synchronous brainstem neural recordings were performed.
- Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) assay was utilized.
- Healthy mice across the lifespan were studied.
Main Results:
- Initial development of a combined neural recording and VFSS methodology was achieved.
- The technique allows for investigation of swallowing in a naturalistic feeding context.
- Methodology refinement is ongoing.
Conclusions:
- This novel assessment tool holds promise for preclinical dysphagia research.
- It will enable systematic analysis of therapeutic interventions in mouse models.
- Potential applications include models of ALS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and aging-related dysphagia.
