Effect of Satellite Cell Ablation on the Aging Diaphragm

Motor dysfunction and skeletal muscle wasting are major causes of poor quality of life, increased health care costs, and institutionalization in the elderly. However, age-related dysfunction of the respiratory muscles has an even greater impact on quality of life: impairment of the aging diaphragm disrupts a number of important behaviors, such as breathing, airway protective reflexes (coughing and sneezing), and voice. Since the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles must be active throughout life to sustain ventilation, it is not surprising that their response to aging diverges from that seen in other skeletal muscles. In contrast to limb muscles, atrophy does not explain the weakness and increased fatigability of the aging diaphragm; however, since the diaphragm is constantly active it may have a need for constant remodeling. Indirect evidence for this notion stems from the fact that there is an apparent depletion of satellite cells in diaphragm muscle of mdx mice, rendering it more susceptible to damage. Whether a similar situation exists for aging diaphragm muscle and whether satellite cell depletion and/or dysfunction play a role in decreased diaphragm function with age are completely unexplored issues. We are in the unique position to test the role of satellite cells in diaphragm muscle with aging using the Pax7-DTA mouse, which allows for temporal and specific control of satellite cell ablation; we showed previously that >90% of satellite cells are ablated in response to tamoxifen treatment using this genetic model. It is currently unknown what the role of satellite cells is in the maintenance of diaphragm function with aging by itself, or when the muscle is functionally challenged. Therefore our hypothesis is that satellite cells are necessary to sustain diaphragm structure and function with age. We will test the hypothesis using two specific aims. In Aim 1 we will determine whether satellite cell ablation in Pax7-DTA mice alters structure and function of the diaphragm with aging. Satellite cells will be ablated at 4 months of age and mice will be tested at 6, 18, and 24 months of age. The efficiency of satellite cell ablation will be measured, and analyses will be performed to assess morphological as well as functional changes in the diaphragm, and in ventilation in vivo. In Aim 2 we will establish whether satellite cell ablation impairs the ability of the aging diaphragm to adapt to a functional challenge. Satellite cells will be ablated at 4 months of age and mice will be subjected to normobaric hypoxia for 4 weeks starting at 5, 17, and 23 months of age and will be subjected to voluntary wheel running from 4 months of age. Analyses will be performed as in Aim 1 and compared to measures obtained from mice in Aim 1. We expect that satellite cell ablation causes detrimental functional and structural changes in the diaphragm, and that the ability of the diaphragm to adapt to changes in functional demand is impaired, particularly in the aged. With the studies proposed in this application, we will provide insight into the role of satellite cells in diaphragm muscle with advancing age; this knowledge will enable us to develop effective intervention strategies for the loss of diaphragm function with age.