Effects of Tongue Force Training on Bulbar Motor Function in the Female SOD1-G93A Rat Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The use of exercise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is controversial. Although moderate exercise appears to be beneficial for limb muscles in ALS, the effects of exercise on bulbar muscles such as the tongue have not been studied.

Objective

To determine the effects of tongue force training on bulbar motor function in the SOD1-G93A rat model of ALS.

Methods

We compared the effects of tongue force training on bulbar motor function and neuromuscular junction innervation in female SOD1-G93A rats and age-matched female wild-type controls. Half of each group underwent afternoon tongue force training sessions, and all rats were tested under minimal force conditions in the mornings.

Results

Tongue force did not differ between the SOD1-G93A rats and he

SUBMITTER: Ma D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5243852 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature