In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue

Summary

We describe a surgical procedure in an anesthetized rat model for determining the muscle tone and viscoelastic properties of the tongue. The procedure involves specific stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves and application of passive Lissajous force/deformation curves to the muscle.

Abstract

The tongue is a highly innervated and vascularized muscle hydrostat on the floor of the mouth of most vertebrates. Its primary functions include supporting mastication and deglutition, as well as taste-sensing and phonetics. Accordingly, the strength and volume of the tongue can impact the ability of vertebrates to accomplish basic activities such as feeding, communicating, and breathing. Human patients with sleep apnea have enlarged tongues, characterized by reduced muscle tone and increased intramuscular fat that can be visualized and quantified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The abilities to measure force generation and viscoelastic properties of the tongue constitute important tools for obtaining functional information to correlate with imaging data. Here, we present techniques for measuring tongue force production in anesthetized Zucker rats via electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerves and for determining the viscoelastic properties of the tongue by applying passive Lissajous force/deformation curves.

Introduction

The tongue provides essential support for mastication, deglutition, taste-sensing and speaking. The presence of extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, with distinct innervation and anatomy/function, accounts for the uniqueness of this muscular hydrostat. Recent advances in imaging techniques have provided a more detailed view of its complex anatomy¹. Decreased tongue functionality, tongue atrophy, dysphagia, and speech impediments are also common manifestations of myopathic conditions such as Parkinson², Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)³, Myotonic Dystrophy (MD)⁴ and other....

Protocol

All the procedures including animal subjects have been approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the University of Pennsylvania (Protocol number 805822). The described procedure is terminal and does not require the utilization of aseptic conditions or pharmaceutical grade products.

1. Surgical Procedures

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Results

Figure 3: Representative Results.
(A) Examples of successful twitch and tetanic force traces. The corresponding stimulation is represented by the red trace. (B) Example of unsuccessful tongue tetanic contract.......

Discussion

Changes in tongue metabolism and/or composition, e.g. tongue fat infiltration as a consequence of obesity, are predicted to cause quantifiable changes of the parameters assessed by our protocol. The quantification of tongue force is of great interest since an imbalance between protrusive and retrusive activity or overall tongue weakening may result in the occlusion of the upper airway¹⁵. Exercise techniques aiming to increase tongue strength have been successfully applied in rats

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
SurgiSuite (heated Surgical tray)	Kent Scientific	SurgiSuite-LG	Includes heated platform
LED Lighting and Magnification Kit	Kent Scientific	SURGI- 5003
RC2 Rodent Circuit Controller	VetEquip	922100
Isoflurane	Butler Schein Animal Health Supply	29405
Alcohol Prep	Webcol	6818
Cotton-tipped applicators	MediChoice	WOD1002
Hair clipper	Conair
Hair remover lotion	Nair
Medical tape	Transpore	3M
D-PBS	Corning	21-030-CM
Operating Scissors	World Precision Instruments	503717-12
Hemostatic Forceps	Merit	97-458	Any tissue forceps can be used instead
Microdissecting Forceps, Angled, Serrated, 10.2 cm, SS	World Precision Instruments	504479
Suture Tying Forceps	Fine Science Tools	18025-10
Blunt Micro Hook	Fine Science Tools	10062-12
Microhemostat	Fine Science Tools	12075-14
Thermal cautery	WPI	501292	Disposable cauteries are available at lower cost
IV 14g x 3.25" cannula	BD	B-D382268H	For tracheal cannulation
Braided silk non-absorbable suture size 4-0	Harvard Apparatus	SP104	For stabilization of the tracheal cannula
Braided non-absorbable silk 5/0 suture	Surgik LC, USA	ESILRC15387550	For suturing the tongue
Plastic-coated metal twist-tie (or electrical wire)			For securing the rat's nose to the platform
Camera stick
3 way-swivel and Trilene 9 Kg test monofilament line	Berkley		For securing the jaw and maintaining the mouth open
Camera stick with adjustable angle			For supporting the 3 way-swivel and maintaining the mouth open.
in situ Muscle Test System	Aurora Scientific	809C	This system is designed for mice and was modified by extending the platform. Alternatively the rat-specific 806D system can be used.
Dual-Mode Muscle lever (force transducer)	Aurora Scientific	305C-LR	309C offers higher excursion capabilities than 305C-LR. Link for more information and specifications: http://aurorascientific.com/products/muscle-physiology/dual-mode-muscle-levers/
Needle Electrodes (surgical steel, 29 gauge)	AD Instruments	MLA1204	300C is recommended for use in mice.
Magnetic Stands	World Precision Instruments	M10	Used for making the bipolar stimulating hook electrodes
Kite Manual Micromanipulator	World Precision Instruments	KITE-R and KITE-L	Require a steel plate
Stackable Double Binding Post with Banana Jack x BNC Jack	McMaster Carr	6704K13
Carbon fiber composites digital caliper	VWR	36934-152