BREATHE T32 postdoc, Dr. Alex Marciante, lead a recent publication in APS Function along with BREATHE members Dr. Gordon Mitchell, Dr. Yasin Seven & Mia Kelly, and alumnus Dr. Raphael Perim. The Mitchell Lab has studied the effects of intermittent exposure to low oxygen, or acute intermittent hypoxia, on spinal respiratory plasticity for years but there is still much to learn. Dr. Mitchell notes: “This study demonstrates that even subtle differences in the intermittent hypoxia protocol affect the magnitude of plasticity, and that this effect is profoundly influenced by the time-of-day intermittent hypoxia is delivered. Acute intermittent hypoxia is already in multiple clinical trials as a treatment to improve breathing and limb function in people with chronic spinal cord injuries and ALS. These new findings suggest we need to consider refinement of the acute intermittent hypoxia protocol and, even more importantly, the time of day in which the intermittent hypoxia is delivered. It may have profound effects on the therapeutic impact of this promising new treatment.”
Check out the publication here: Magnitude And Mechanism of Phrenic Long-Term Facilitation Shift Between Daily Rest Vs Active Phase.
