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Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Regenerative Roles of Muscle Proteins at Neuromuscular Junction Post-Nerve Injury
Published on: November 1, 2024
Denervation versus pre- and postsynaptic muscle immobilization: Effects On acetylcholine- and muscle-specific
Christopher Kramer1, Saida Zoubaa2, Alexander Kretschmer1
1Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Technische Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675, München, Germany.
Introduction:
Functional immobility of the diaphragm by mechanical ventilation impairs neuromuscular transmission and may result in ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. We compared 3 diaphragmatic immobilization models with respect to their effects on expression of adult and fetal acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), and muscle fiber morphology.
Methods:
Diaphragms of rats were immobilized by either: (1) phrenicotomy; (2) presynaptic tetrodotoxin nerve blockade; or (3) postsynaptic polyethylene orthosis. AChR subtypes and MuSK were quantified by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Muscle fiber morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining.
Results:
Adult AChRs remained unchanged, whereas fetal AChRs and MuSK were upregulated in all models. Denervation induced the strongest changes in muscle morphology.
Conclusions:
Each diaphragm immobilization model led to severe morphologic and postsynaptic receptor changes. Postsynaptic polyethylene orthosis, a new model with an intact and functioning motor unit, best reflects the clinical picture of a functionally immobilized diaphragm. Muscle Nerve 55: 101-108, 2017.
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