Effects of brachial plexus amputation on the calcitonin gene related peptide content and the spasmodic muscles in foreleg

Abstract

Objective To study the relationship between the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) content in brachial plexus and spasmodic muscles.Methods The 16 Wistar rats with right cerebral cortex injury were diveded into 2 groups (8 rats in each group):the experiment group was given brachial plexus amputation,and the control group received no-treatment.The CGRP in brachial plexus was examined by using immunohistochemical method and the biceps musele tension was evaluated by electrophysiology measurement at 20th day after sympathectomy.Meanwhile,the nerve symptom was observed and spasm of flexion elbow muscles on the left foreleg after sympathectomy was assessed.Results The CGRP in left brachial plexus was significantly higher in experiment group [(7122.58 ± 1697.72) μm2] than in control group [(6613.96 ± 1433.59) μm2] (P ＜ 0.05),and spasm of the limbs was alleviated after sympathectomy.Conclusion The treatment mechanism of brachial plexus amputation for myospasm resulting from cerebrum injury may be related to the increase in the local content of CGRP. Key words: Brachial plexus; Calcitonin gene related peptide; Muscular tone