Abstract
To evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) assessment of the tibial and fibular nerves, and its respectives motor units in rats. Eight Wistar rats underwent intraoperative EMG on both hind limbs at two different moments: week 0 and week 12. Supramaximal electrical stimulation applied on sciatic nerve, and compound muscle action potential recorded on the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDLM) through electrodes at specifics points. Motor function assessment was performaced through Walking Track Test. Exposing the muscles and nerves for examination did not alter tibial (p=0.918) or fibular (p=0.877) function between the evaluation moments. Electromyography of the GM, innervated by the tibial nerve, revealed similar amplitude (p=0.069) and latency (p=0.256) at week 0 and at 12 weeks, creating a standard of normality. Meanwhile, electromyography of the EDLM, innervated by the fibular nerve, showed significant differences between the amplitudes (p=0.003) and latencies (p=0.021) at the two different moments of observation. Intraoperative electromyography determined and quantified gastrocnemius muscle motor unit integrity, innervated by tibial nerve. Although this study was not useful to, objectively, assess extensor digitorum longus muscle motor unit, innervated by fibular nerve.
Highlights
A variety of experimental models have been used to study processes involving degeneration and regeneration of the peripheral nerves; animal models such as dogs and cats[1], rabbits[2], guinea pigs[3], pigs[4], and rats[5,6] have been used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, but we still remain far from the ideal model.One well-established model is the sciatic nerve in rats[7]
Supramaximal electrical stimulation applied on sciatic nerve, and compound muscle action potential recorded on the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDLM) through electrodes at specifics points
The aim of this study was to evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic assessment of the tibial nerve, fibular nerve, and its respectives motor units in experimental studies with rats
Summary
A variety of experimental models have been used to study processes involving degeneration and regeneration of the peripheral nerves; animal models such as dogs and cats[1], rabbits[2], guinea pigs[3], pigs[4], and rats[5,6] have been used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, but we still remain far from the ideal model.One well-established model is the sciatic nerve in rats[7]. Questions related to surgical treatment of facial paralysis have led to double muscle innervation hypothesis[8] To enlighten this issue, two different motor units experimental model become interesting, making the study of the tibial and fibular branches of the sciatic nerve relevant. The goal of electrophysiological studies is to determine and quantify the function and disorders of the peripheral nervous system, of the motor nerves and motor unit[9], becoming a fundamental tool on nerve regeneration assessment. Factors such as anatomy, electrode type and distance, location and intensity of electrical stimulation, and surgical fibrosis could affect results[10]. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new model of intraoperative electromyographic assessment of the tibial nerve, fibular nerve, and its respectives motor units in experimental studies with rats
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