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Related Experiment Videos

Alpha-methyldopa selectively reduces alae nasi activity.

K C Lahive1, J W Weiss, S E Weinberger

  • 1Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|May 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
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Alpha-methyldopa, a sedating antihypertensive, was found to reduce upper airway muscle activity in healthy individuals and those with obstructive sleep apnea. This suggests a potential impact on breathing control mechanisms during hypercapnia.

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sedative medications like benzodiazepines and alcohol are known to decrease upper airway muscle activity.
  • Alpha-methyldopa is an antihypertensive medication with sedative properties, prompting investigation into its effects on airway muscles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the hypothesis that alpha-methyldopa reduces upper airway muscle activity.
  • To examine the effect of alpha-methyldopa on alae nasi electromyographic (EMG) activity during hypercapnia in healthy subjects and those with obstructive sleep apnea.

Main Methods:

  • Ten healthy subjects and three subjects with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were studied.
  • Subjects underwent CO2-stimulated breathing tests.
  • Alae nasi EMG activity was measured before and after administration of alpha-methyldopa (750 mg) or placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.

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Main Results:

  • In healthy subjects, alpha-methyldopa significantly reduced mean alae nasi EMG activity by 34% (P < 0.05) without altering other ventilatory parameters.
  • In OSA subjects, individual mean alae nasi EMG activity decreased by 16-49%, with one patient showing reduced ventilation and tidal volume.

Conclusions:

  • Alpha-methyldopa selectively reduces upper airway motor activity.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism for how alpha-methyldopa might affect breathing and airway stability.