Methods for recording vibrissal motor recovery in rats

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To introduce a simple, objective and quantifiable videographic method for tracking the process and extent of vibrissal motor recovery following facial nerve injury. METHODS: Thirty two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to adaptive training for 3 weeks and then they were randomized into 4 groups (n=8 in each group): main trunk experimental crush injury (group A), main trunk transection and end to end suture (group B), main trunk sham surgery control (group C) and main trunk transection denervation control (group D). Whisking recovery was measured on a scheduled basis for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The rats underwent a 5-min videographic recording session during which tagged vibrissae were continuously monitored. The video sequences were slowly reviewed and 5 s sequence fragments containing the most vigorous whisking were analyzed offline using Proanalyst motion analysis software. The selection criteria used were stable position of the head, frequency of whisking, and amplitude of vibrissal protraction. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in any preoperative whisking parameters between the manipulated side and intact side. In group A, 2 weeks after surgery, the mean whisking amplitude was approximately 77% of its value on the intact sides, and recovered approximately 96% within 12 weeks. In group B, at 10-14 days, the vibrissae "rose" again to the level of the mouth and acquired a posterior orientation with only slight tremor-like movements; by the 4 week, the rats had approximately 40% of recovery of whisking amplitude compared to the intact sides; 12 weeks postoperatively, the whisking amplitude reached 77%. Since the 4 week, group A and B had similar whisking frequency in both sides. Fourteen days postoperatively, all animals in group C exhibited normal whisking function compared with the preoperative vigorous whisking. Animals in group D had no recovery of whisking function during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Observations on body restrained rats showed that majority of free whisking on both sides is synchronous and symmetric, which allows us to compare vibrissal motor data between intact and manipulated side after facial nerve injury. The videographic technique, when used in conjunction with body restrained procedures and motion analysis software, may be an objective tool to evaluate motor recovery from facial nerve manipulation in the rat model.

Key words: Rat, Facial nerve, Vibrissa, Vediographic recording, Whisking

CLC Number:

R745.1

CHENG Jia, WU Shu, FEI Yi-fan, LIU Yuan, HUANG Jian-tao, ZHAO Yun-fu. Methods for recording vibrissal motor recovery in rats[J]. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2016, 14(5): 404-408.

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