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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Characteristics of Muscle Fibers in Rats with Limb Movements during Sleep after Spinal Cord Injury

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Author(s):
Esteves, Andrea M. [1] ; Squarcini, Camila F. R. [1] ; Lancellotti, Carmen L. P. [2] ; Tufik, Sergio [1] ; de Mello, Marco T. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psicobiol, BR-04020050 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Fac Ciencias Med Santa Casa Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: EUROPEAN NEUROLOGY; v. 67, n. 2, p. 107-115, 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Background/Aims: Previous studies have demonstrated that spinal cord injury (SCI) results in changes in sleep patterns through increased arousals and limb movements during sleep. Dramatic changes in muscle myosin heavy-chain isoforms have also been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of muscle fibers after SCI in rats with limb movements during sleep. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: SHAM, SCI 3, 7 and 15 days. Animals were subjected to electrode insertion surgery, 24-hour baseline sleep recording, SCI, and subsequent sleep recording for 3, 7, or 15 consecutive days. In addition, the gastrocnemius muscle and spinal cord were collected for histopathological/histochemical analyses. Results: Our results indicate a rapid and progressive decrease in the cross-sectional area of type I fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle (35.76-24.74 mu m(2)) after SCI. Additionally, we found SCI-induced changes in sleep patterns. Following SCI, we also observed limb movements in sleeping rats, as well as significant negative moderate correlations between type I fibers and limb movement. Conclusion: Our study strengthened the hypothesis by correlation between changes in types of muscle fiber (decline in type I fibers) and an increase in limb movements during sleep after SCI. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)