What is Normal? Neuromuscular junction reinnervation after nerve injury.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In this study we present a reproducible technique to assess motor recovery after nerve injury via neuromuscular junction (NMJ) immunostaining and electrodiagnostic testing.

Methods

Wild-type mice underwent sciatic nerve transection with repair. Hindlimb muscles were collected for microscopy up to 30 weeks after injury. Immunostaining was used to assess axons (NF200), Schwann cells (S100), and motor endplates (α-bungarotoxin). Compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude was used to assess tibialis anterior (TA) function.

Results

One week after injury, nearly all (98.0%) endplates were denervated. At 8 weeks, endplates were either partially (28.3%) or fully (71.7%) reinnervated. At 16 weeks, NMJ reinnervation reached 87.3%. CMAP amplitude was 83% of na

SUBMITTER: Vannucci B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7092387 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature