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In Vivo Electrophysiological Measurement of Compound Muscle Action Potential from the Forelimbs in Mouse Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
Published on: June 15, 2018
Summary
Diabetic proximal motor neuropathy, a complication of diabetes mellitus, was studied in rats. Long-standing diabetes caused spinal root infarcts and nerve damage, suggesting hypercoagulability as a cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Proximal motor neuropathy is a known complication of diabetes mellitus in humans.
- Microvasculopathic changes are believed to underlie diabetic neuropathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of structural proximal motor neuropathy in a rat model of diabetes.
- To identify the pathological mechanisms causing neuropathy in long-standing diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Spontaneously diabetic BB-Wistar rats with moderate diabetes severity were studied.
- Spinal ventral roots were examined for structural changes and vascular occlusions.
Main Results:
- Long-standing diabetes in rats led to structural proximal motor neuropathy.
- Multiple infarcts in spinal ventral roots were identified as the cause.
- Endoneurial vessels showed occlusions from platelet aggregates and fibrin, indicating hypercoagulability.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneously diabetic rats develop proximal motor neuropathy mirroring human diabetic neuropathy.
- Hypercoagulability and resultant vascular infarcts in spinal roots are key pathological mechanisms.
