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Frontiers in Neuroscience 2020Transcranial electrical (TES) and magnetic stimulation (TMS) are both used for assessment of the motor function of the spinal cord in horses. Muscular motor evoked...
INTRODUCTION
Transcranial electrical (TES) and magnetic stimulation (TMS) are both used for assessment of the motor function of the spinal cord in horses. Muscular motor evoked potentials (mMEP) were compared intra-individually for both techniques in five healthy horses. mMEPs were measured twice at increasing stimulation intensity steps over the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), tibialis cranialis (TC), and caninus muscles. Significance was set at < 0.05. To support the hypothesis that both techniques induce extracranially elicited mMEPs, literature was also reviewed.
RESULTS
Both techniques show the presence of late mMEPs below the transcranial threshold appearing as extracranially elicited startle responses. The occurrence of these late mMEPs is especially important for interpretation of TMS tracings when coil misalignment can have an additional influence. Mean transcranial motor latency times (MLT; synaptic delays included) and conduction velocities (CV) of the ECR and TC were significantly different between both techniques: respectively, 4.2 and 5.5 ms (MLT -MLT ), and -7.7 and -9.9 m/s (CV -CV ). TMS and TES show intensity-dependent latency decreases of, respectively, -2.6 (ECR) and -2.7 ms (TC)/30% magnetic intensity and -2.6 (ECR) and -3.2 (TC) ms/30V. When compared to TMS, TES shows the lowest coefficients of variation and highest reproducibility and accuracy for MLTs. This is ascribed to the fact that TES activates a lower number of cascaded interneurons, allows for multipulse stimulation, has an absence of coil repositioning errors, and has less sensitivity for varying degrees of background muscle tonus. Real axonal conduction times and conduction velocities are most closely approximated by TES.
CONCLUSION
Both intracranial and extracranial mMEPs inevitably carry characteristics of brainstem reflexes. To avoid false interpretations, transcranial mMEPs can be identified by a stepwise latency shortening of 15-20 ms when exceeding the transcranial motor threshold at increasing stimulation intensities. A ring block around the vertex is advised to reduce interference by extracranial mMEPs. mMEPs reflect the functional integrity of the route along the brainstem nuclei, extrapyramidal motor tracts, propriospinal neurons, and motoneurons. The corticospinal tract appears subordinate in horses. TMS and TES are interchangeable for assessing the functional integrity of motor functions of the spinal cord. However, TES reveals significantly shorter MLTs, higher conduction velocities, and better reproducibility.
PubMed: 33122992
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.570372 -
Journal of Anatomy Oct 1988The percentages of Type I muscle fibres were measured systematically in ATPase-stained, transverse cryostat sections of whole tibialis cranialis muscles from 8 young,...
The percentages of Type I muscle fibres were measured systematically in ATPase-stained, transverse cryostat sections of whole tibialis cranialis muscles from 8 young, adult beagles. The distance of the section from the origin of the muscle does not significantly affect the mean percentage. There are no identifiable differences in mean percentages between right and left muscles. Differences in mean percentages between individuals are significant when sexes are combined (P less than 0.01) and within sexes (males: P less than 0.01; females: P less than 0.05). Within sections, the percentage tends to be lowest at the superficial (craniolateral) border and to vary less from site to site deeper within the muscle. Fibre cross sectional areas were measured systematically in the same sections of the right muscle from 3 males and 3 females. Mean areas for each section were greater for Type II than for Type I fibres. Mean areas for each fibre-type varied moderately and non-systematically between the sample sites within sections. A needle biopsy taken from deep within this muscle should provide a more consistent and reliable estimate of fibre-type proportion in the whole muscle than a superficial specimen. Proportions are not affected by the distance of the sample site from the muscle origin, and left or right muscles are suitable for sequential samples.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Female; Male; Muscles; Tibia
PubMed: 3253248
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Biomechanics Apr 2023Artificial tendons may be valuable clinical devices for replacing damaged or missing biological tendons. In this preliminary study, we quantified the effect of...
Artificial tendons may be valuable clinical devices for replacing damaged or missing biological tendons. In this preliminary study, we quantified the effect of polyester-suture-based artificial tendons on movement biomechanics. New Zealand White rabbits underwent surgical replacement of either the Achilles (n = 2) or tibialis cranialis (TC, n = 2) biological tendons with artificial tendons. Once pre-surgery and weekly from 2 to 6 weeks post-surgery, we quantified hindlimb kinematics and ground contact pressures during the stance phase of hopping gait. Post-surgical movement biomechanics were either consistent or improved over time in both groups. However, the Achilles group had greater overall biomechanical and muscle deficits than the TC group. In the TC group, at 6 weeks post-surgery, foot angles were about 10° greater than those in healthy controls during the first 30 % of stance. At 6 weeks post-surgery, the Achilles group exhibited lesser (i.e., more dorsiflexed) ankle angles (minimum angle = 31.5 ± 9.4°) and vertical ground reaction forces (37.4 ± 2.6 %BW) during stance than those in healthy controls (65.0 ± 11.2° and 50.2 ± 8.3 %BW, respectively). Future studies are needed to quantify long-term biomechanical function with artificial tendons, the effect of artificial tendons on muscle function and structure, and the effect of formal rehabilitation.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Biomechanical Phenomena; Foot; Ankle; Gait; Achilles Tendon
PubMed: 36944293
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111520 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2020Previous non-viral gene therapy was directed towards two animal models of dwarfism: Immunodeficient (lit/scid) and immunocompetent (lit/lit) dwarf mice. The former,...
Previous non-viral gene therapy was directed towards two animal models of dwarfism: Immunodeficient (lit/scid) and immunocompetent (lit/lit) dwarf mice. The former, based on hGH DNA administration into muscle, performed better, while the latter, a homologous model based on mGH DNA, was less efficient, though recommended as useful for pre-clinical assays. We have now improved the growth parameters aiming at a complete recovery of the lit/lit phenotype. Electrotransfer was based on three pulses of 375 V/cm of 25 ms each, after mGH-DNA administration into two sites of each non-exposed tibialis cranialis muscle. A 36-day bioassay, performed using 60-day old lit/lit mice, provided the highest GH circulatory levels we have ever obtained for GH non-viral gene therapy: 14.7 ± 3.7 ng mGH/mL. These levels, at the end of the experiment, were 8.5 ± 2.3 ng/mL, i.e., significantly higher than those of the positive control (4.5 ± 1.5 ng/mL). The catch-up growth reached 40.9% for body weight, 38.2% for body length and 82.6%-76.9% for femur length. The catch-up in terms of the mIGF-1 levels remained low, increasing from the previous value of 5.9% to the actual 8.5%. Although a complete phenotypic recovery was not obtained, it should be possible starting with much younger animals and/or increasing the number of injection sites.
Topics: Animals; Electroporation; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Therapy; Growth Hormone; Mice; Muscle, Skeletal; Plasmids
PubMed: 33142961
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215034 -
Nutrients Feb 2021The influence of energy restriction (ER) on muscle is controversial, and the mechanisms are not well understood. To study the effect of ER on skeletal muscle phenotype...
The influence of energy restriction (ER) on muscle is controversial, and the mechanisms are not well understood. To study the effect of ER on skeletal muscle phenotype and the influence of vitamin D, rats ( = 34) were fed a control diet or an ER diet. Muscle mass, muscle somatic index (MSI), fiber-type composition, fiber size, and metabolic activity were studied in tibialis cranialis (TC) and soleus (SOL) muscles. Plasma vitamin D metabolites and renal expression of enzymes involved in vitamin D metabolism were measured. In the ER group, muscle weight was unchanged in TC and decreased by 12% in SOL, but MSI increased in both muscles ( < 0.0001) by 55% and 36%, respectively. Histomorphometric studies showed 14% increase in the percentage of type IIA fibers and 13% reduction in type IIX fibers in TC of ER rats. Decreased size of type I fibers and reduced oxidative activity was identified in SOL of ER rats. An increase in plasma 1,25(OH)-vitamin D (169.7 ± 6.8 vs. 85.4 ± 11.5 pg/mL, < 0.0001) with kidney up-regulation of CYP27b1 and down-regulation of CYP24a1 was observed in ER rats. Plasma vitamin D correlated with MSI in both muscles ( < 0.001), with the percentages of type IIA and type IIX fibers in TC and with the oxidative profile in SOL. In conclusion, ER preserves skeletal muscle mass, improves contractile phenotype in phasic muscles (TC), and reduces energy expenditure in antigravity muscles (SOL). These beneficial effects are closely related to the increases in vitamin D secondary to ER.
Topics: Animals; Caloric Restriction; Energy Metabolism; Ergocalciferols; Female; Kidney; Models, Animal; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Muscle, Skeletal; Phenotype; Rats; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 33673262
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020607 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Sep 2011Regular physical activity protects against the development of breast and colon cancer, since it reduces the risk of developing these by 25-30%. During exercise, humoral...
Regular physical activity protects against the development of breast and colon cancer, since it reduces the risk of developing these by 25-30%. During exercise, humoral factors are released from the working muscles for endocrinal signaling to other organs. We hypothesized that these myokines mediate some of the inhibitory effects of exercise on mammary cancer cell proliferation. Serum and muscles were collected from mice after an exercise bout. Incubation with exercise-conditioned serum inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation by 52% and increased caspase activity by 54%. A similar increase in caspase activity was found after incubation of MCF-7 cells with conditioned media from electrically stimulated myotubes. PCR array analysis (CAPM-0838E; SABiosciences) revealed that seven genes were upregulated in the muscles after exercise, and of these oncostatin M (OSM) proved to inhibit MCF-7 proliferation by 42%, increase caspase activity by 46%, and induce apoptosis. Blocking OSM signaling with anti-OSM antibodies reduced the induction of caspase activity by 51%. To verify that OSM was a myokine, we showed that it was significantly upregulated in serum and in three muscles, tibialis cranialis, gastronemius, and soleus, after an exercise bout. In contrast, OSM expression remained unchanged in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, liver, and spleen (mononuclear cells). We conclude that postexercise serum inhibits mammary cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of these cells. We suggest that one or more myokines secreted from working muscles may be mediating this effect and that OSM is a possible candidate. These findings emphasize that role of physical activity in cancer treatment, showing a direct link between exercise-induced humoral factors and decreased tumor cell growth.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Cytokines; Humans; Mice; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Up-Regulation
PubMed: 21653222
DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00520.2010 -
Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica 2012In domestic animals, the legs function in both postural maintenance and propulsion. The crural muscles participate in actions of the tarsal and toe joints. Mammalian...
In domestic animals, the legs function in both postural maintenance and propulsion. The crural muscles participate in actions of the tarsal and toe joints. Mammalian skeletal muscles consist of myofibers, which are histochemically classified into three myofiber types, slow-twitch/oxidative (SO) or type I, fast-twitch/oxidative/glycolytic (FOG) or type IIA, and fast-twitch/glycolytic (FG) or type IIB myofibers. The histochemical characteristics of myofiber types reflect an aspect of function that myofibers possess. In the present study, we investigated the composition and average diameter of myofiber types of each muscle in crus of sheep and determined their roles in the movement of tarsal and toe joints. The tibialis cranialis muscle was a flat unipennate muscle and not capable to generate a large tension; however, it could function primarily in posture maintenance and play a cooperative role in adjusting standing posture. The flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles were the major muscles that contributed to posture maintenance in leg musculature. These muscles were capable to generate a large tension and participate primarily in standing posture maintenance. The composition and diameter of myofiber types in ovine crural musculature reflected the role of each muscle in posture maintenance and locomotion.
Topics: Animals; Female; Locomotion; Lower Extremity; Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch; Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch; Myosins; Sheep
PubMed: 23117303
DOI: 10.2535/ofaj.89.39 -
Journal of Neuroinflammation May 2016Peripheral nerve injury results in retrograde cell body-related changes in the spinal motoneurons that will contribute to the regenerative response of their axons....
BACKGROUND
Peripheral nerve injury results in retrograde cell body-related changes in the spinal motoneurons that will contribute to the regenerative response of their axons. Successful functional recovery also depends on molecular events mediated by innate immune response during Wallerian degeneration in the nerve microenvironment. A previous study in our lab demonstrated that TLR 2 and 4 develop opposite effects on synaptic stability in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we suggested that the better preservation of spinal cord microenvironment would positively influence distal axonal regrowth. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the influence of TLR2 and TLR4 on regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury.
METHODS
Eighty-eight mice were anesthetized and subjected to unilateral sciatic nerve crush (C3H/HeJ, n = 22, C3H/HePas, n = 22; C57Bl6/J, n = 22 and TLR2(-/-), n = 22). After the appropriate survival times (3, 7, 14 days, and 5 weeks), all mice were killed and the sciatic nerves and tibialis cranialis muscles were processed for immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gait analysis, after sciatic nerve crushing, was performed in another set of mice (minimum of n = 8 per group), by using the walking track test (CatWalk system).
RESULTS
TLR4 mutant mice presented greater functional recovery as well as an enhanced p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression as compared to the wild-type strain. Moreover, the better functional recovery in mutant mice was correlated to a greater number of nerve terminal sprouts. Knockout mice for TLR2 exhibited 30 % greater number of degenerated axons in the distal stump of the sciatic nerve and a decreased p75(NTR) and neurofilament protein expression compared to the wild type. However, the absence of TLR2 receptor did not influence the overall functional recovery. End-point equivalent functional recovery in transgenic mice may be a result of enhanced axonal diameter found at 2 weeks after lesion.
CONCLUSIONS
Altogether, the present results indicate that the lack of TLR2 or the absence of functional TLR4 does affect the nerve regeneration process; however, such changes are minimized through different compensatory mechanisms, resulting in similar motor function recovery, as compared to wild-type mice. These findings contribute to the concept that innate immune-related molecules influence peripheral nerve regeneration by concurrently participating in processes taking place both at the CNS and PNS.
Topics: Animals; Axotomy; Gene Expression Regulation; Intermediate Filaments; Lameness, Animal; Locomotion; Macrophages; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Mutation; Neuromuscular Junction; Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; Sciatic Nerve; Sciatic Neuropathy; Species Specificity; Time Factors; Toll-Like Receptor 2; Toll-Like Receptor 4
PubMed: 27222120
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0579-6 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research May 2011To determine the effects of syringomyelia on electromyography (EMG) findings, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), and transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials...
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of syringomyelia on electromyography (EMG) findings, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs), and transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials (TMMEPs) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs).
ANIMALS
27 client-owned CKCSs that underwent prebreeding magnetic resonance imaging screening or investigation of clinical signs consistent with syringomyelia.
PROCEDURES
In dogs with (n = 11) and without (16) magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed syringomyelia, the median nerve in each thoracic limb was stimulated and SEPs were recorded over the C1 vertebra; onset latency and latency and amplitude of the largest negative (N1) and positive (P1) peaks were measured. The TMMEPs were recorded bilaterally from the extensor carpi radialis and tibialis cranialis muscles; onset latencies in all 4 limbs were measured. Bilateral systematic needle EMG examination was performed on the cervical epaxial musculature, and the number of sites with spontaneous activity was recorded.
RESULTS
In dogs with syringomyelia, amplitudes of N1 and P1 and the amplitude difference between P1 and N1 were significantly smaller than those recorded for dogs without syringomyelia (approx 2-fold difference). No difference in SEP latencies, TMMEP latencies, or the proportion of dogs with > 2 sites of spontaneous activity detected during EMG examination was detected between groups.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicated that SEP amplitude at the C1 vertebra was a more sensitive measure of spinal cord function in CKCSs with syringomyelia, compared with results of EMG or TMMEP assessment. Measurement of SEP amplitude may have use as an objective assessment of the evolution and treatment of this disease.
Topics: Animals; Cervical Vertebrae; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Electromyography; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Female; Forelimb; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Median Nerve; Pedigree; Prospective Studies; Spinal Cord; Syringomyelia; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 21529209
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.72.5.595 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research May 2006To investigate the feasibility of evoking the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) from fore and hind limbs in conscious dogs, score stimulus-associated behavioral... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of evoking the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) from fore and hind limbs in conscious dogs, score stimulus-associated behavioral responses, and assess the canine NWR response to suprathreshold stimulations.
ANIMALS
8 adult Beagles.
PROCEDURE
Surface electromyograms evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of ulnaris and digital plantar nerves were recorded from the deltoideus, cleidobrachialis, biceps femoris, and tibialis cranialis muscles. Train-of-five pulses (stimulus(train)) were used; reflex threshold (I(t train)) was determined, and recruitment curves were obtained at 1.2, 1.5, and 2 x I(t train). Additionally, a single pulse (stimulus(single)) was given at 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, and 3 x I(t train). Latency and amplitude of NWRs were analyzed. Severity of behavioral reactions was subjectively scored.
RESULTS
Fore- and hind limb I(t train) values (median; 25% to 75% interquartile range) were 2.5 mA (2.0 to 3.6 mA) and 2.1 mA (1.7 to 2.9 mA), respectively. At I(t train), NWR latencies in the deltoideus, cleidobrachialis, biceps femoris, and cranial tibialis muscles were not significantly different (19.6 milliseconds [17.1 to 20.5 milliseconds], 19.5 milliseconds [18.1 to 20.7 milliseconds], 20.5 milliseconds [14.7 to 26.4 milliseconds], and 24.4 milliseconds [17.1 to 40.5 milliseconds], respectively). Latencies obtained with stimulus(train) and stimulus(single) were similar. With increasing stimulation intensities, NWR amplitude increased and correlated positively with behavioral scores.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In dogs, the NWR can be evoked from limbs and correlates with behavioral reactions. Results suggest that NWR evaluation may enable quantification of nociceptive system excitability and efficacy of analgesics in individual dogs.
Topics: Animals; Consciousness; Dogs; Male; Pain; Pain Measurement; Pain Threshold; Reflex
PubMed: 16649925
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.67.5.882