Executive Summary : | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disruption of ventilation and resulting in intermittent hypoxia. This condition affects the brain's oxygen sensitivity, affecting respiratory function. Poor-quality sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, impaired attention and memory, headaches, and depression. Children with OSA may express Alzheimer's disease markers even in early childhood. OSA prevalence is higher during pregnancy, with pregnant women experiencing oxygen desaturations and deceleration of the foetal heart rate. OSA is associated with neurocognitive deficits in offspring. In animal models, chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) during sleep can induce cognitive dysfunction, altering cholinergic function in the brain. Studies have shown an association between cholinergic vulnerability and cognitive function in adult mice. Maternal CIH during gestational periods can alter intrauterine environment and affect long-term development. However, there is a lack of information on the effect and mechanism of gestational sleep apnea on neurodevelopment and cognitive function in offspring. This study proposes investigating the effects of maternal intermittent hypoxia on neurodevelopmental outcomes, cholinergic status, and cognitive function in offspring. Pregnant rats will be treated with intermittent hypoxia during pregnancy and analyzed for neurochemical, structural, and behavioral markers. The outcome will help understand the mechanism of maternal OSA-induced changes on offspring's brain and can be used for preventive and therapeutic management of health issues related to OSA. |
Equipments : | Rapid Oxygen Control Chambers VELO2X, Bright Field Microscope with Imaging Accessories ( Rs.4191168.00 ) , Rapid Oxygen Control Chambers VELO2X, Bright Field Microscope with Imaging Accessories ( Rs.0.00 ) , Rapid Oxygen Control Chambers VELO2X, Bright Field Microscope with Imaging Accessories ( Rs.0.00 ) |