Effect of acute limb ischaemia on neuromuscular function in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To locate the exact site of the primary lesion in the neuromuscular system in acutely ischaemic extremities.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
University hospital, Greece.


METHODS
22 adult rats.


METHODS
Isometric tensions of extensor digitorum longus muscles were recorded before ischaemia and every 5 minutes after the arterial occlusions by indirect stimulation. When no contractile activity was elicited, the muscle was stimulated directly and recordings made every 5 minutes. The sciatic nerve function was checked by recordings of nerve conduction velocity. Specimens from the muscles were examined under electron microscopy.


METHODS
Muscle contractile properties, conduction velocity, and electron microscopic appearance.


RESULTS
After a period of about 50 minutes neuromuscular function under indirect stimulation in the ischaemic limbs was lost, whilst under direct stimulation the extensor digitorum longus muscles and the sciatic nerves still functioned. Electron microscopic study showed distinct alterations at the neuromuscular junctions.


CONCLUSIONS
The response of the neuromuscular system to acute ischaemia indicated that the neuromuscular junction is probably the site most susceptible to acute ischaemia.
Hatzipantelis
K P
KP
15th Department of Surgery, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. albani@med.auth.gr
Natsis
K
K
Albani
M
M
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000098:blood supply; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013997:Time Factors