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Bartolucci ML, Berteotti C, Alvente S, Bastianini S, Guidi S, Lo Martire V, Matteoli G, Silvani A, Stagni F, Bosi M, Alessandri-Bonetti G, Bartesaghi R, Zoccoli G. Obstructive sleep apneas naturally occur in mice during REM sleep and are highly prevalent in a mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105508. [PMID: 34509609 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The use of mouse models in sleep apnea study is limited by the belief that central (CSA) but not obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) occur in rodents. We aimed to develop a protocol to investigate the presence of OSAs in wild-type mice and, then, to apply it to a validated model of Down syndrome (Ts65Dn), a human pathology characterized by a high incidence of OSAs. METHODS In a pilot study, nine C57BL/6J wild-type mice were implanted with electrodes for electroencephalography (EEG), neck electromyography (nEMG), and diaphragmatic activity (DIA), and then placed in a whole-body-plethysmographic (WBP) chamber for 8 h during the rest (light) phase to simultaneously record sleep and breathing activity. CSA and OSA were discriminated on the basis of WBP and DIA signals recorded simultaneously. The same protocol was then applied to 12 Ts65Dn mice and 14 euploid controls. RESULTS OSAs represented about half of the apneic events recorded during rapid-eye-movement-sleep (REMS) in each experimental group, while the majority of CSAs were found during non-rapid eye movement sleep. Compared with euploid controls, Ts65Dn mice had a similar total occurrence rate of apneic events during sleep, but a significantly higher occurrence rate of OSAs during REMS, and a significantly lower occurrence rate of CSAs during NREMS. CONCLUSIONS Mice physiologically exhibit both CSAs and OSAs. The latter appear almost exclusively during REMS, and are highly prevalent in Ts65Dn. Mice may, thus, represent a useful model to accelerate the understanding of the pathophysiology and genetics of sleep-disordered breathing and to help the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lavinia Bartolucci
- Section of Orthodontics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Berteotti
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Alvente
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bastianini
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandra Guidi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Viviana Lo Martire
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Matteoli
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Silvani
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Stagni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Marcello Bosi
- Sleep Disorder Center, Villa Igea-Ospedali Privati Forlì, Forlì, Italy
| | - Giulio Alessandri-Bonetti
- Section of Orthodontics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zoccoli
- PRISM Lab, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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CGSEA: A Flexible Tool for Evaluating the Associations of Chemicals with Complex Diseases. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:945-949. [PMID: 31937547 PMCID: PMC7056963 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many human complex diseases or traits involves interactions between chemicals and genes that regulate important physiological processes. It has been well documented that chemicals can contribute to disease development through affecting gene expression in vivo. In this study, we developed a flexible tool CGSEA for scanning the candidate chemicals associated with complex diseases or traits. CGSEA only need genome-wide summary level data, such as transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and mRNA expression profiles. CGSEA was applied to the GWAS summaries of attention deficiency/hyperactive disorder, (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cervical cancer. CGSEA identified several significant chemicals, which have been demonstrated to be involved in the development or treatment of ADHD, ASD and cervical cancer. The CGSEA program and user manual are available at https://github.com/ChengSQXJTU/CGSEA.
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Lieberman-Lazarovich M, Melamed-Bessudo C, de Pater S, Levy AA. Epigenetic alterations at genomic loci modified by gene targeting in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLoS One 2013; 8:e85383. [PMID: 24386472 PMCID: PMC3873452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene Targeting (GT) is the integration of an introduced vector into a specific chromosomal site, via homologous recombination. It is considered an effective tool for precise genome editing, with far-reaching implications in biological research and biotechnology, and is widely used in mice, with the potential of becoming routine in many species. Nevertheless, the epigenetic status of the targeted allele remains largely unexplored. Using GT-modified lines of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we show that the DNA methylation profile of the targeted locus is changed following GT. This effect is non-directional as methylation can be either completely lost, maintained with minor alterations or show instability in the generations subsequent to GT. As DNA methylation is known to be involved in several cellular processes, GT-related alterations may result in unexpected or even unnoticed perturbations. Our analysis shows that GT may be used as a new tool for generating epialleles, for example, to study the role of gene body methylation. In addition, the analysis of DNA methylation at the targeted locus may be utilized to investigate the mechanism of GT, many aspects of which are still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sylvia de Pater
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Avraham A. Levy
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Mc Laughlin D, Hajduk P, Murphy P, Puri P. Adriamycin-Induced Models of VACTERL Association. Mol Syndromol 2013; 4:46-62. [PMID: 23653576 DOI: 10.1159/000345579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are of great importance for medical research. They have enabled analysis of the aetiology and pathogenesis of complex congenital malformations and have also led to major advances in the surgical and therapeutic management of these conditions. Animal models allow us to comprehend the morphological and molecular basis of disease and consequently to discover novel approaches for both surgical and medical therapy. The anthracycline antibiotic adriamycin was incidentally found to have teratogenic effects on rats, producing a range of defects remarkably similar to the VACTERL association of congenital anomalies in humans, providing a reproducible animal model of this condition. VACTERL association is a spectrum of birth defects which includes vertebral, anal, cardiovascular, tracheo-oesophageal, renal and limb anomalies. In recent years, adriamycin rodent models of VACTERL have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of this complex association, particularly in relation to tracheo-oesophageal malformations. The adriamycin rat model and adriamycin mouse model are now well established in the investigation of the morphology of faulty organogenesis and the regulation of gene expression in tracheo-oesophageal anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mc Laughlin
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ; Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland ; School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Genetic Engineering of Mice. Mol Pharmacol 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118451908.ch10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Even-Faitelson L, Samach A, Melamed-Bessudo C, Avivi-Ragolsky N, Levy AA. Localized egg-cell expression of effector proteins for targeted modification of the Arabidopsis genome. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 68:929-37. [PMID: 21848915 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2011.04741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Targeted modification of the genome is an important genetic tool, which can be achieved via homologous, non-homologous or site-specific recombination. Although numerous efforts have been made, such a tool does not exist for routine applications in plants. This work describes a simple and useful method for targeted mutagenesis or gene targeting, tailored to floral-dip transformation in Arabidopsis, by means of specific protein expression in the egg cell. Proteins stably or transiently expressed under the egg apparatus-specific enhancer (EASE) were successfully localized to the area of the egg cell. Moreover, a zinc-finger nuclease expressed under EASE induced targeted mutagenesis. Mutations obtained under EASE control corresponded to genetically independent events that took place specifically in the germline. In addition, RAD54 expression under EASE led to an approximately 10-fold increase in gene targeting efficiency, when compared with wild-type plants. EASE-controlled gene expression provides a method for the precise engineering of the Arabidopsis genome through temporally and spatially controlled protein expression. This system can be implemented as a useful method for basic research in Arabidopsis, as well as in the optimization of tools for targeted genetic modifications in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Even-Faitelson
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Kessler S, Clauss WG, Günther A, Kummer W, Fronius M. Expression and functional characterization of P2X receptors in mouse alveolar macrophages. Pflugers Arch 2011; 462:419-30. [PMID: 21638035 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-0980-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AM) are crucial for pulmonary host defense, and evidence emerges that ATP-gated P2X receptors are involved in inflammatory processes. This study focuses on the expression and functional characterization of P2X receptors in AM from mouse. In RT-PCR experiments, transcripts encoding the P2X₁, P2X₃, P2X₄, P2X₅, and P2X₇ receptors were detected. In whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, ATP (1 mM) evoked an inward current (mouse and human AM) that was reversible upon washout, and the reversal potential was ~5 mV, indicating the activation of a non-selective conductance-a fingerprint of P2X receptors. Further characterization (mouse AM) revealed that the current was not desensitized by a second ATP application. The ATP-induced current was increased by the removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ (in human and mouse AM), and EC₅₀ in mouse AM were determined with ~1 mM ATP, in the presence as well as in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺. Pharmacological characterization of mouse AM revealed that the effect was augmented by BzATP and pre-application with ivermectin, but no effect with α,β-meATP was observed. Further, the ATP effect was reduced by PPADS (300 μM), brilliant blue G (5 μM), and about A438079 (10 μM). Although different P2X receptor transcripts were detected in mouse AM, the observed functional and pharmacological characteristics indicate primarily the participation of P2X₄ and P2X₇ receptors as mediators of the ATP-induced ion current in mouse AM. These suggestions were confirmed by experiments with AM from P2X₇ -deficient animals, indicating a contribution of P2X₄ and P2X₇ receptors in pulmonary immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kessler
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Zouagui T, Chereul E, Janier M, Odet C. 3D MRI heart segmentation of mouse embryos. Comput Biol Med 2009; 40:64-74. [PMID: 19939358 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
MRI has become an effective tool for anatomical mice studies. Currently, embryologists study the development of mouse embryos in order to understand the mechanisms of human development. The aim of the research presented in this paper, is to develop a semi-automatic image segmentation framework based 3D deformable models to identify cardiac malformations which are a major cause of death in children. The segmentation systems have been used to segment 3D mouse embryos heart structures. Results on the ventricles and on the heart muscle are presented and compared with manually segmented models.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zouagui
- University of Sciences and Technology of Oran (USTO), Electronics Department, Oran, Algeria.
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Ruedi EA, Hughes KA. Age, but not experience, affects courtship gene expression in male Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6150. [PMID: 19582156 PMCID: PMC2702002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation screens in model organisms have helped identify the foundation of many fundamental organismal phenotypes. An emerging question in evolutionary and behavioral biology is the extent to which these “developmental” genes contribute to the subtle individual variation that characterizes natural populations. A related question is whether individual differences arise from static differences in gene expression that arose during previous life stages, or whether they are due to dynamic regulation of expression during the life stage under investigation. Here, we address these questions using genes that have been discovered to control the development of normal courtship behavior in male Drosophila melanogaster. We examined whether these genes have static or dynamic expression in the heads of adult male flies of different ages and with different levels of social experience. We found that 16 genes of the 25 genes examined were statically expressed, and 9 genes were dynamically expressed with changes related to adult age. No genes exhibited rapid dynamic expression changes due to social experience or age*experience interaction. We therefore conclude that a majority of fly “courtship” genes are statically expressed, while a minority are regulated in adults with respect to age, but not with respect to relevant social experience. These results are consistent with those from a recent microarray analysis that found none of the canonical courtship genes changed expression in male flies after brief exposure to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Ruedi
- Program in Ecology and Evolution, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Thon R, Vondeling H, Lassen J, Hansen AK, Ritskes-Hoitinga M. An interview study of phenotypic characterization of genetically-modified mice. Lab Anim 2009; 43:278-83. [PMID: 19237456 DOI: 10.1258/la.2008.0080058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
An interview study was carried out with the aim of clarifying the reasons for the limited use of phenotypic characterization of genetically-modified mice (GMM) and identifying issues hindering its implementation. A total of 15 users of GMM participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed. The results were extracted using content analysis by theme. The investigation confirmed that few animals were systematically phenotyped and an observational approach was found to be widespread. The primary interest of the interviewees was phenotyping for impaired animal welfare. The concept of phenotyping was widely understood and perceived as a scientific advantage. The comprehensiveness of the protocols and the resources required for phenotyping were seen as problematic. All participants addressed this issue, be it regarding lack of time, money or expertise. Also, among the negative statements were worries about the capability of the available protocols to produce the information needed by the individual scientist. Phenotyping was predicted to become much more widespread in the future and its success was expected to depend on the development of reliable, fast and inexpensive methods. The study identified different aims of phenotyping and the suitability of the published protocols for these purposes was discussed. The contradiction between the limited use of characterization and its advantages was also discussed and proposals for the improvement of future phenotyping strategies are formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thon
- Pixiegene A/S, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark.
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Doran P, Gannon J, O'Connell K, Ohlendieck K. Proteomic profiling of animal models mimicking skeletal muscle disorders. Proteomics Clin Appl 2007; 1:1169-84. [PMID: 21136766 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200700042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades of biomedical research, animal models of neuromuscular diseases have been widely used for determining pathological mechanisms and for testing new therapeutic strategies. With the emergence of high-throughput proteomics technology, the identification of novel protein factors involved in disease processes has been decisively improved. This review outlines the usefulness of the proteomic profiling of animal disease models for the discovery of new reliable biomarkers, for the optimization of diagnostic procedures and the development of new treatment options for skeletal muscle disorders. Since inbred animal strains show genetically much less interindividual differences as compared to human patients, considerably lower experimental repeats are capable of producing meaningful proteomic data. Thus, animal model proteomics can be conveniently employed for both studying basic mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis and the effects of drugs, genetic modifications or cell-based therapies on disease progression. Based on the results from comparative animal proteomics, a more informed decision on the design of clinical proteomics studies could be reached. Since no one animal model represents a perfect pathobiochemical replica of all of the symptoms seen in complex human disorders, the proteomic screening of novel animal models can also be employed for swift and enhanced protein biochemical phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Doran
- Department of Biology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Lydic R. Sleep disruption is related to allelic variation in the ob gene. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2006; 290:R892-3. [PMID: 16537820 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00845.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Douglas CL, Bowman GN, Baghdoyan HA, Lydic R. C57BL/6J and B6.V-LEPOB mice differ in the cholinergic modulation of sleep and breathing. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2004; 98:918-29. [PMID: 15475596 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00900.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory and arousal state control are heritable traits in mice. B6.V-Lep(ob) (ob) mice are leptin deficient and differ from C57BL/6J (B6) mice by a variation in the gene coding for leptin. The ob mouse has morbid obesity and disordered breathing that is homologous to breathing of obese humans. This study tested the hypothesis that microinjecting neostigmine into the pontine reticular nucleus, oral part (PnO), of B6 and ob mice alters sleep and breathing. In B6 and ob mice, neostigmine caused a concentration-dependent increase (P < 0.0001) in percentage of time spent in a rapid eye movement (REM) sleeplike state (REM-Neo). Relative to saline (control), higher concentrations of neostigmine increased REM-Neo duration and the number of REM-Neo episodes in B6 and ob mice and decreased percent wake, percent non-REM, and latency to onset of REM-Neo (P < 0.001). In B6 and ob mice, REM sleep enhancement by neostigmine was blocked by atropine. Differences in control amounts of sleep and wakefulness between B6 and the congenic ob mice also were identified. After PnO injection of saline, ob mice spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time awake and less time in non-REM sleep. B6 mice displayed more (P < 0.01) baseline locomotor activity than ob mice, and PnO neostigmine decreased locomotion (P < 0.0001) in B6 and ob mice. Whole body plethysmography showed that PnO neostigmine depressed breathing (P < 0.001) in B6 and ob mice and caused greater respiratory depression in B6 than ob mice (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis identified greater (P < 0.05) expression of M2 muscarinic receptor protein in ob than B6 mice for cortex, midbrain, cerebellum, and pons, but not medulla. Considered together, these data provide the first evidence that pontine cholinergic control of sleep and breathing varies between mice known to differ by a spontaneous mutation in the gene coding for leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Douglas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0615, USA
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Current Awareness on Comparative and Functional Genomics. Comp Funct Genomics 2003; 4. [PMCID: PMC2447311 DOI: 10.1002/cfg.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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