Development of Muscle Disuse Model in Rat: Effect of Denervation and Tenotomization on the Skeletal Muscle Mechanics

Abstract

Denervation refers to the condition that represents loss of nerve connection with the muscle. The term tenotomization or tenotomy refers to the condition where the tendon of the skeletal muscle is damaged. Both these conditions lead towards muscle disuse and then deterioration. It may be caused by some diseases, chemical toxicity, physical injury or intentional surgical interruption. To observe the effects of denervation and tenotomy, it is important to develop an animal model with such pathological conditions for a better understanding and investigation of a possible cure. Current study was designed to develop an animal model in rat for denervation and tenotomy. The objectives were to optimize the anaesthetic dose for rats, to develop muscle disuse models in rats including denervation and tenotomization and to determine the mechanical and physiological properties of the gastrocnemius muscle of the animal model for muscle disuse. Gastrocnemius muscle of the rat was targeted for study. Models were developed by surgical procedures. We succeeded in developing the rat model for both conditions and it was verified by observing the changes in the physiological properties of muscles.