[Denervation change of tensor veli palati in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the denervation change of Tensor Veli Palati in patients with OSAHS by determine the mRNA and protein expression of NCAM.

METHOD: The OSAHS group was consisted of 30 OSAHS patients and the normal control group was consisted of 10 chronic tonsillitis patients without OSAHS. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to determine the NCAM expression in specimens.

RESULT: (1) The mRNA and protein expression level of NCAM in the OSAHS group increased significantly compared with that in control group (P < 0.05). (2) There was positive correlation between AHI and the protein expression level of NCAM in the OSAHS group (r = 0.803, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the denervation change of tensor veli palati appear in OSAHS patients, and the severity of OSAHS are relevant with the degree of denervation.