Abstract
ObjectiveTo clarify the influences of intermittent hypoxia (IH) on the growth and development of the midfacial area, including the nasal cavity, in growing rats. DesignSeven-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=5), which was exposed to IH for 8h during light periods at a rate of 20cycles/h (nadir, 4% O2 to peak, 21% O2 with 0% CO2), and the control group (n=5), which was exposed to room air. After 3 weeks, the maxillofacial structures in both groups were evaluated with respect to the height, width, length, surface area, cross-sectional area, and volume of the nasal cavity using soft X-ray and micro-CT. ResultsThe experimental group showed a significantly smaller cross-sectional area and volume than did the control group. The surface area exhibited no significant differences between the two groups, although it tended to be smaller in the experimental group than in the control group. The nasal volume divided by the length of the tibia (for comparison with whole-body growth) was significantly smaller in the experimental group than in the control group. ConclusionsThese data suggest that IH exposure suppresses growth and development of the nasal cavity and may result in nasal breathing disturbance.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
