title: An immunohistochemical study of the sciatic nerve in a rat knee immobilization model.
abstract: [Purpose] This study was performed to immunohistochemically evaluate changes in the periphery of the sciatic nerve in a rat model of knee immobilization, and to assess the effects of range of motion exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one male rats were divided randomly into three groups: control (C), immobilized (I), and exercise (E group). Rats in the I and E groups had the right knee joint immobilized for 2 weeks. In the E group, range of motion exercise was also performed. After the experimental period, the periphery of the sciatic nerve was immunohistochemically observed. [Results] Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the myelin sheath and the perineurium in all groups were laminin positive. In the C and E groups, all rats showed normal staining. In contrast, 4 rats in the I group exhibited weak labeling. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that immobilization alters the perineurium at a molecular level and the range of motion exercise is essential for maintaining the environment of the perineurium.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Japan; Department of Rehabilitation, Kanazawa University Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: Shinya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan.
authors.forename: Taro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matsuzaki
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan.
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hoso
keywords: Immunohistochemical staining; Laminin; Perineurium