Can Wistar rats be used as the normotensive controls for nerve morphometry investigations in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)?

Author(s)

Sanada, Luciana Sayuri ^[1] ; Tavares, Marcelo Rodrigo ^[2] ; Maia Neubern, Milena Cardoso ; Salgado, Helio Cesar ^[3] ; Sassoli Fazan, Valeria Paula ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] USP, FMRP, Dept Neurosci & Behav Neurosci, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Jose do Rosario Velano, UNIFENAS, Phys Educ Course, Alfenas, MG - Brazil

^[3] USP, FMRP, Dept Physiol, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[4] USP, FMRP, Dept Surg & Anat, Microscopy & Morphometry Lab, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Acta Cirurgica Brasileira; v. 26, n. 6, p. 514-520, NOV-DEC 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

PURPOSE: We compared the sural nerve morphology among Wistar (WR), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats, including the nerve fascicles and myelinated fibers morphometry. METHODS: Age matched (20 weeks) female WR (N=6), WKY (N=6) and SHR (N=7) had their right and left sural nerves removed, embedded in epoxy resin, and observed by light microscopy. Morphometric analysis was performed with the aid of computer software. RESULTS: Despite presenting the same age, WR were heavier than WKY and SHR, as were SHR compared to WKY. Systolic arterial pressure was higher in SHR compared to WR, but no differences between SHR and WKY or WR and WKY were observed. The sural nerves were morphometrically symmetric between proximal and distal segments on the same side and between sides in all strains with no differences in the myelinated fiber number. Schwann cell number and density were smaller in SHR and G ratio was larger in SHR, indicating that SHR have thinner myelinated fibers. CONCLUSION: Sural nerve morphology is similar between WKY and WR, allowing the use of WR as the SHR controls in morphological investigations involving peripheral neuropathies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/16748-9 - Morphometry of phrenic nerves in spontaneously hypertensive rats
• Grantee: Valéria Paula Sassoli Fazan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/50389-6 - Cardiovascular regulation under physiological pathophysiological conditions
• Grantee: Helio Cesar Salgado
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 10/12518-6 - Morphologic evaluation and comparison between types of muscle fibers of the lateral and medial gastrocnemius and flexor halucis longus after painful stimulation in the neonatal period
• Grantee: Valéria Paula Sassoli Fazan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants