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Mice Lacking Brain-Derived Serotonin Have Altered Swallowing Function

Authors :
Kate L Osman
Ian Deninger
Ellyn M Andel
Megan M Haney
Teresa E. Lever
Brayton Ballenger
Joseph R Sinnott
Kevin J. Cummings
Lori A. Thombs
Victoria Caywood
Alexis Mok
Source :
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

The intricate sensorimotor neural circuits that control swallowing are heavily reliant on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]); however, the impact of 5-HT deficiency on swallow function remains largely unexplored. We investigated this using mice deficient in tryptophan-hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in 5-HT synthesis. Videofluoroscopy was utilized to characterize the swallowing function of TPH2 knockout (TPH2(−/−)) mice as compared with littermate controls (TPH2(+/+)). Results showed that 5-HT deficiency altered all 3 stages of swallowing. As compared with controls, TPH2(−/−) mice had significantly slower lick and swallow rates and faster esophageal transit times. Future studies with this model are necessary to determine if 5-HT replacement may rescue abnormal swallowing function. If so, supplemental 5-HT therapy may have vast applications for a large population of patients with a variety of neurologic disorders resulting in life-diminishing dysphagia, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, for which 5-HT deficiency is implicated in the disease pathogenesis.

Details

ISSN :
10976817
Volume :
161
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....853414461cd1335ff8d01d3ed15e79e0