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The rat caudal nerves: a model for experimental neuropathies
Herbert H Schaumburg1, Elena Zotova, Cedric S Raine
1Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461-1602, USA. herbert.schaumburg@einstein.yu.edu
Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System : JPNS
|July 15, 2010
Summary
The rat caudal nerve offers a sensitive model for studying nerve damage and recovery. Its complex structure and easy assessment of morphology and electrophysiology reveal early signs of axonopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Length-dependent distal axonopathy affects long nerves.
- Rodent caudal nerves are proposed as a model for studying axonopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomy and electrophysiology of the rat caudal nerve.
- To evaluate the rat caudal nerve as a model for length-dependent distal axonopathy.
Main Methods:
- Detailed anatomical and electrophysiological studies of rat caudal nerves.
- Administration of acrylamide monomer (axonal toxin) at varying doses and times.
- Serial electrophysiological recordings and light/electron microscopy of caudal and sciatic nerves.
Main Results:
- Rat caudal nerves exhibit complex neural structures with proximal-to-distal gradients.
- Acrylamide induced dose- and time-dependent slowing of nerve conduction velocities.
- Morphological changes appeared earlier in caudal nerves than sciatic nerves.
Conclusions:
- Rat caudal nerves provide a sensitive model for evaluating axonopathy.
- Correlative morphology and electrophysiology assessments are effective for detecting axonopathy onset and progression.
