A new nerve-muscle unit model for peripheral nerve studies in rats

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J Reconstr Microsurg. 2006 Oct;22(7):533-8.

A new nerve-muscle unit model for peripheral nerve studies in rats.

Tatlidede S, Gonen E, Baslo B, Soydan T, Solakoglu S, Bas L.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sisli Etfal

Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Ischiatic, femoral and tibial nerves are commonly utilized in the

studies of peripheral nerve surgery in rats. The authors present a

new nerve-muscle unit model in which the nerve is distal enough to

minimize morbidity and the muscle is convenient for all

electromyographic studies. Twenty-five Wistar-Albino rats were used.

In the control group; normal electromyography and histology were

demonstrated in the lateral tibial nerve (LTN) and in the flexor

digiti quinti brevis (FDQB) muscle. In experimental group I; a 0.5

cm nerve gap was made in the LT nerve and the proximal end was

buried in the muscle in order to prevent reinnervation. In

experimental group II, the LTN was cut and repaired primarily.

In both groups I and II, electromyographic and histologic studies

were performed at 6 and 12 weeks. In study group I, atrophic and

degenerative findings were observed and in study group II, only

regenerative findings were observed. The authors concluded that the

LT nerve-FDQB muscle unit is a convenient model for peripheral nerve

studies, with the advantages of easy dissection, wide exposure, and

minimal morbidity. This model is also convenient for

electromyographic and histologic evaluation.