Reinnervation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Motor neuron abnormalities have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Evidence concerning the effect of injury on motor neurons of human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is lacking. We report a DMD patient having, in addition, an obstetric paresis on his left arm. EMG and muscle histochemistry showed signs of reinnervation superimposed on myopathy in his left arm. This suggests that sprouting is preserved in DMD motor neurons and that muscle fibers retain the capability of accepting reinnervation.