Modeling of sleep-induced changes in airway function: Implication for nocturnal worsening of bronchial asthma

Musa A. Haxhiu, Prabha Kc, Kannan V. Balan, Christopher G. Wilson, Richard J. Martin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Here we describe the model of sleep-induced worsening of airway function in patients with airway disorders. Our model is based on the noradrenergic pathways that link central neuronal structures responsible for alternating wakefulness and sleep with the neuronal networks regulating the activity of airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons (AVPNs). Our previous studies showed that cholinergic outflow to the airways depend on the activity of inhibitory inputs to AVPNs. Major inhibitory cell groups, regulating AVPNs discharge, include brainstem noradrenaline (NA)-containing cells receiving projections from the hypothalamic sleep-promoting neurons of the ventrolateral preoptic region (VLPO). When activated, VLPO cells, using GABA and/or galanin as mediators, downregulate the activity of inhibitory NA neurons projecting to AVPNs. Therefore, changes that occur during sleep lead to a shift from inhibitory to excitatory transmission of the AVPNs, thereby increasing cholinergic outflow to the airways. Our model, based on neuroanatomical and molecular studies, and physiology experiments, can be used to explain sleep-related worsening of bronchial asthma and might contribute to development of clinically meaningful treatment for patients with sleep-induced worsening of airway function and respiratory symptoms. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Genes to Systems
EditorsMarc Poulin, Richard Wilson
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages469-474
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-387-73693-8
ISBN (Print)9780387736921, 978-1-4419-2529-9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume605
ISSN (Print)0065-2598
ISSN (Electronic)2214-8019

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

Keywords

  • Airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons
  • Nocturnal asthma
  • Noradrenergic neurons
  • Sleep-generating sites
  • Neurons/physiology
  • Humans
  • Airway Resistance/physiology
  • Wakefulness/physiology
  • Sleep/physiology
  • Vagus Nerve/physiopathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Neurological
  • Ganglia/physiopathology
  • Asthma/physiopathology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology

Disciplines

  • Endocrinology
  • Biology
  • Internal Medicine

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