| Objective : To study chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH) induced damage on neurochemical markers of 5-HT, 5-HT receptors and c-fos protein of hypoglossal nucleus and the morphological changes of motoneurons of the hypoglossal in rat.Methods : Adult male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats(n=16) were randomly and averagely divided into two groups(the CIH and the control group).The CIH group were fed in low oxygen cabins(60s/N2, the fraction of oxygen volume reduced to 5% under hypoxia; then maitained 12 s and continued 48s/air alternately, the fraction of oxygen volume increased to 21%; between 8:30~16:30 each day) for 35 days. The control group was fed in atmospheric environment cabins. We study the morphology of hypoglossal nucleus by Nissal stain and the expression of C-fos protein and 5-HT and receptors were detected by immunohistochemical method.Results:Neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus of the CIH group became swollen, and Nissal bodies collapsed with lightly stained. The expression of C-fos protein and neurochemical markers of 5-HT and receptors in the CIH group were significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:CIH-induced excessive expression of neurochemical markers of 5-HT and receptors in hypoglossal nucleus may result in an increasing of the hypoglossal nerve activity and the genioglossus electroactive. It is may play an important role in the maintainance of an open pharyngeal cavity in OSA patients. |
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