An electrophysiological evaluation method for the ovine facial nerve.
Regen Ther 2021;
18:76-81. [PMID:
33969162 PMCID:
PMC8060511 DOI:
10.1016/j.reth.2021.03.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Large-animal models such as sheep for facial nerve regeneration research have not yet been established because of the lack of methods for assessing the electrophysiological function of regenerated nerves. In this study, we developed a percutaneous measurement method for the evoked compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the facial nerve in sheep.
Methods
Six 3-year-old castrated male Corriedale sheep were used in this study. Under general anesthesia, an anatomical exploration was performed to identify the course of the buccal branch of the facial nerve and its innervating muscles on one side, followed by the application of surface stimulating electrodes to the contralateral side of the face along the course of the buccal branch of the facial nerve to obtain CMAP measurements of the nasolabial levator muscle.
Results
Percutaneous CMAP measurements of the nasolabial levator muscle could be obtained in all animals by placing stimulating electrodes 1 cm apart on the line coinciding with the course of the buccal branch of the facial nerve revealed by the preceding anatomical exploration. Mean values for electrophysiological parameters were amplitude 4.7 ± 0.7 mV, duration 2.1 ± 0.6 ms, and latency 3.6 ± 0.4 ms.
Conclusion
We have established a percutaneous measurement method for CMAP of the buccal branch of the facial nerve in sheep. This method is expected to be very useful in future studies of facial nerve regeneration for long nerve defects in sheep.
A percutaneous CMAP measurement method for the ovine facial nerve was established.
Anatomical experiment demonstrated the method's physiological accuracy.
The ovine facial nerve enables a more realistic model of facial nerve regeneration.
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