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Melior Discovery neurophysiology

Motor Evoked Potentials and Nerve Conduction
Nerve conduction and/or neuromuscular function following drug treatment, injury, or as a function of genetic factors can be evaluated in a variety of ways. Stimulation of the sciatic nerve at the hip produces compound motor action potential (CMAP) responses in the plantar foot muscle that are delayed and reduced in amplitude in SOD (super-oxidase dimutase) knockout (SOD-/-) or transgenic (G93A) mice.  Mice can be evaluated as early as 5 weeks of age, and can be tested weekly or biweekly. 

Figure A- CMAP in SOD1 +/+ vs -/- Mice:

              

Responses in the plantar foot muscle to stimulation of the sciatic verve at the hip and the tibial nerve at the ankle in SOD knockout (-/-) versus wild type (+/+) mice.  Note the relatively delayed response latency (indicating slower conduction) and reduced muscle response in amplitude in the knockout mice (Flood et al, 1999). 

 

Figure B- CMAP versus Behavior Scores, SOD Transgenic Mice:

                

Plantar foot muscle responses evoked by stimulation of the tibial nerve were recorded from G93A SOD transgenic and non-transgenic control mice biweekly from 8-16 weeks.  A significant difference was seen at all time points.  Hindlimb behavior scores, however, were not different until 16 weeks.  *p<0.05, unpaired t-test; n=10-12/group.

 

Figure C- CMAP Time Course, SOD G93A Mice:

                                

Responses to tibialis anterior to sciatic nerve stimulation in G93A SOD transgenic versus non-transgenic control mice weekly from 5-17 weeks.  A significant difference in CMAP amplitude was seen as early as 7 weeks.  *p<0.05, unpaired t-test; n=12/group.

 

If you are interesed in learning more about Motor Evoked Potentials and Nerve Conduction, please contact models@meliordiscovery.com to start the conversation.