Premium
Prolonged hindlimb unloading leads to changes in electrophysiological properties of L5 dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats after 14 days
Author(s) -
Ren JunChan,
Fan XiaoLi,
Song XinAi,
Zhao XueHong,
Chen MingXia,
Shi Lei
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.22234
Subject(s) - rheobase , electrophysiology , dorsal root ganglion , hindlimb , nerve conduction velocity , anatomy , neuroscience , ganglion , patch clamp , afterhyperpolarization , medicine , biology , chemistry , dorsum
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological changes observed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a simulated weightlessness rat model and to assess the mechanisms involved in these changes. Methods: The simulated weightlessness model was created by hindlimb unloading (HU). Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, conduction velocity measurement, and ultrastructural observation were performed. Results: In the HU rats, the action potentials had a longer duration and slower falling rate, but there was no significant effect on amplitude or rate of rise. HU also induced lowering of rheobase and of the threshold potential, making the cells more excitable. The conduction velocities in the proximal branches of ganglion cells were also decreased, and some degenerative changes in the myelin sheath were noted. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of plasticity of DRG neurons induced by HU. The changes observed might contribute to impaired motor performance in rats submitted to HU. Muscle Nerve 45: 65–69, 2012