A Study of the Muscles of Phonation and Deglutition

It is impossible to avoid the deterioration in physical function that accompanies aging. We believe that the aim of anti-aging research is to examine ways to maximize physical function within the human lifespan, rather than to investigate immortality. The first author conducted research at the Connor laboratory (University of Wisconsin) from 2002 to 2004 . The Connor lab investigates histological and physiological changes that accompany aging in the genioglossus and intra-laryngeal muscles, which are important for deglutition and vocalization, respectively. That is, the lab investigates alterations of phonation and deglutition that occur with aging. The first author researched the effects of controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor with autologous fascia implantation in unilateral laryngeal paralysis. It was hypothesized that this method would induce regeneration of damaged tissue associated with paralysis by providing a scaffold, cells, and growth factors. In experiments using rats, the glottal gap decreased, volume of the paralyzed glottal area increased, and atrophy of the thyroarytenoid muscle improved. These findings suggest that the method may present an attractive option for treating unilateral laryngeal paralysis.