Sleep-Apnea
Replicating sleep apnea research models with BioSpherix's cell equipment is more achievable due to the ability to control oxygen. Since sleep apnea is linked to a multitude of health complications, interest continues to grow in using cell-based models and animal models of:
- obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- central sleep apnea (CSA)
- mixed sleep apnea
- apnea of prematurity (AOP)
- hypopnea
For in vivo models of sleep apnea, scientists use animal chambers capable of delivering oxygen exposures which alternate between normoxia (21% O2 in atmosphere) and hypoxia. For in vitro models, some sleep apnea protocols switch between room-air oxygen and hypoxia. Other cell-based models rapidly exchange between physiologic oxygen (physioxia) and pathological hypoxia to simulate apnea conditions. Some models (in vitro and in vivo) include control of elevated CO2 levels (hypercapnia) to replicate sleep apnea pathophysiology.
Flexible control options allow researchers to replicate existing models or develop new sleep apnea models. Scientists define hypoxia (and hypercapnia) profiles by selecting the following O2 values for experiments: peak, trough, ramp, soak, frequency, and duration. Use of multiple, independently-controlled chambers increases research throughput or permits different protocols to occur at the same time. Programmable clock and calendar function permits automated start/finish of experiments to ease staff scheduling.
Animal Equipment
OxyCycler A84XOV & A-Chamber
The OxyCycler A84XOV & A-Chamber is used to accomplish in reproducible in vivo models of sleep apnea. Configure with 1-4 chambers to perform multiple, individually controlled protocols at the same time. Optional Monitor Pod for OxyCycler A84XOV & A-Chamber monitors and records environmental conditions inside the chamber: parts per million levels of carbon dioxide (CO2 ppm), relative humidity (RH), temperature, and O2 levels at any location within the chamber.
OxyCycler A42OC & A-Chamber
In addition to intermittent hypoxia for sleep apnea models, the OxyCycler A42OC & A-Chamber(s) package adds dynamic control of CO2 to simulate pathophysiologic hypercapnia in vivo. Configure the OxyCycler A42OC & A-Chamber with either one or two independently controlled animal chambers.
Quick & Quiet Profiler
Minimize the intervals between normoxia (21% O2) and hypoxia (typically 6-7% O2) to better match sleep apnea conditions. The Quick & Quiet Profiler is an upgrade accessory kit for either OxyCycler A84XOV & A-Chamber or OxyCycler A41OV & A-Chamber. Accelerate the intermittent hypoxia profile while keeping sound levels (decibels) within acceptable ranges.
