Impact of Sensory and Motor Defects on Oral Function in an Animal Model

ObjectiveTo evaluate the combined functional impact on swallowing of tongue sensory and motor loss using a rat model.Study DesignRats underwent selective neurectomies with transection of the motor (hypoglossal) nerve or motor and sensory (lingual) nerves. Postoperative functional parameters were followed for 2 weeks.SettingTranslational research.Subjects and MethodsThirty-six adolescent male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: anesthetic (n = 6), sham surgery (n = 8), hypoglossal transection (n = 10), and hypoglossal and lingual transection (n = 12). Each morning on postoperative days 1 to 14, the water and food intake were quantified and the animal weighed. Two-way analyses of variance (SigmaPlot; SYSTAT, San Jose, California) were performed with factors of “group” and “postoperative day” (POD) to analyze whether a significant difference existed between water intake, pellet consumption, and weight change.ResultsThe hypoglossal and lingual group consumed significantly less water during PODs 1 to 2 and...