RNA-Seq of vocal folds of rabbits exposed to a low relative humidity environment

The purpose of this study is to investigate if acute mucosal dehydration as a funcition of low relative humidty environment impacts the vocal folds at the mRNA level. Rabbits were used as animal model to enable a systematic and rigorous assessment of the pathobiology of vocal fold hydration since they can be manipulated in a physiologically realistic manner. We anticipate that the results of this study will help to elucidate the effects of altered mucosal hydration state in response to low ambient humidity on vocal fold epithelium, lamina propria and muscle tissue at the transcriptome level. Together with cellular, structural, and functional techniques that are part of this project, we expect to provide validated scientific recommendations on the adverse effects of mucosal dehydration and the therapeutic benefits of hydration. Overall design: The transcriptome of vocal folds of rabbits that were exposed to low relative humidity (n=6) were compared to those from rabbits held at a standard ambient humidity (n=6).