Establishing the electrophysiological feasibility of the rabbit median nerve as an experimental model for carpal tunnel syndrome

IF 2.7 4区医学 Q2 BIOCHEMICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Journal of Neuroscience Methods Pub Date : 2025-03-09 DOI:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2025.110411

Semra Çınar , Erkut Turan , Ayşe Nur Akkoç

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Backround

Rabbits are appropriate models for experimental carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) studies. This study aimed to explore whether the distribution and innervation area of the nerves supplying the thenar muscles of rabbits are similar to those in humans using anatomical, electrophysiological, and histopathological methods.

New method

20 New Zealand rabbits were used to establish reference conduction values for the median and ulnar nerves. Median nerve denervation was performed on the left forelimb of six rabbits, and changes were assessed 33 days post-surgery. Normative data from healthy rabbits were compared with those from denervated rabbits, and comparisons were made between the right and left forelimbs of the denervated rabbits. Thenar and interosseous (2nd, 3rd, and 4th) muscles were used for histopathology. Dissections focused on the thenar muscles and branches of the median and ulnar nerves.

Results

Thenar muscles were 2.5–3 mm in width and 7–8 mm in length), innervated by both the median and ulnar nerves. Normative latency and amplitude values of 1.85 ± 0.30 ms and 7.71 ± 3.50 mV for the median nerve and 1.85 ± 0.19 ms and 6.14 ± 2.50 mV for the ulnar nerve, respectively. Denervation reduced thenar muscle CMAP amplitude (2.51 ± 2.16 mV, p = 0.047) on ulnar nerve stimulation, indicating dual innervation. The median sensory nerve conduction latency (2.55 ± 0.20 ms) was successfully performed for the first time. Histopathological analysis revealed localized atrophy and degenerative changes in the denervated thenar muscles.

Comparison with existing methods

The new method including novel normative data will significantly enhance the evaluation of CTS in experimental rabbit models, paving the way for more accurate and reliable future research.

Conclusion

The innervation patterns of rabbit thenar muscles were similar to those in humans. This data can aid CTS understanding in rabbit models.

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来源期刊

Journal of Neuroscience Methods 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

7.10

自引率

3.30%

发文量

226

审稿时长

52 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Neuroscience Methods publishes papers that describe new methods that are specifically for neuroscience research conducted in invertebrates, vertebrates or in man. Major methodological improvements or important refinements of established neuroscience methods are also considered for publication. The Journal''s Scope includes all aspects of contemporary neuroscience research, including anatomical, behavioural, biochemical, cellular, computational, molecular, invasive and non-invasive imaging, optogenetic, and physiological research investigations.