Development of a constant pressure perfused ex vivo model of the equine larynx.
Authors: Otto Sven, Michler Jule K, Dhein Stefan, Mülling Christoph K W
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) remains a significant cause of poor performance in horses, yet developing and testing new therapies has been limited by the lack of appropriate experimental models. Otto Sven and colleagues established a constant pressure perfused ex vivo equine larynx system to address this gap, maintaining tissue viability for approximately 352 minutes while preserving vascular reactivity (demonstrated by appropriate vasoconstriction to norepinephrine and vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside) and the contractile function of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle. Biochemical markers of tissue health were encouraging—lactate dehydrogenase remained within normal ranges throughout perfusion, though lactate levels showed modest elevation towards the end of the experimental period—whilst hypoxic stress markers (HIF-1α nuclear translocation) were not significantly detected in the perfused muscle tissue, suggesting the model successfully maintained aerobic metabolism. This ex vivo preparation now provides equine researchers with a reproducible platform for investigating RLN pathophysiology and evaluating therapeutic interventions such as nerve regeneration strategies or pharmacological treatments without relying on in vivo studies. For practitioners, this foundational work represents the beginning of evidence that may ultimately improve management and treatment outcomes for horses suffering from this debilitating condition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This ex vivo model provides researchers with a new platform to test therapeutic interventions for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy without requiring live animal studies
- •The model maintains tissue viability for nearly 6 hours, allowing adequate time for drug testing, electrical stimulation protocols, and biochemical analysis
- •Future applications may enable faster development of treatments for RLN, potentially improving performance in affected horses
Key Findings
- •A constant pressure perfused ex vivo equine larynx model was successfully developed and maintained functional for 352±20.78 minutes
- •Isolated laryngeal vessels demonstrated appropriate vasoconstriction to norepinephrine and vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside, confirming vascular viability
- •Cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle contractility was preserved and could be elicited via electrical stimulation during perfusion
- •LDH levels remained within reference range throughout perfusion, indicating minimal tissue hypoxic damage