USF-LVHN SELECT
Decoupled epineurial and axonal deformation in mouse median and ulnar nerves.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2019
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerves accommodate mechanical loads during joint movement. Hypothesized protective features include increased nerve compliance near joints and axonal undulation. How axons perceive nerve deformation is poorly understood. We tested whether nerves increase local axonal undulation in regions of high epineurial strain to protect nerve fibers from strain-induced damage.
METHODS: Regional epineurial strain was measured near the elbow in median and ulnar nerves of mice expressing axonal fluorescence before and after decompression. Regional axonal tortuosity was quantified under confocal microscopy.
RESULTS: Nerves showed higher epineurial strain just distal to the medial epicondyle; these differences were eliminated after decompression. Axonal tortuosity also varied regionally; however, unlike in the epineurium, it was greater in proximal regions.
DISCUSSION: In this study we have proposed a neuromechanical model whereby axons can unravel along their entire length due to looser mechanical coupling to the peri/epineurium. Our findings have major implications for understanding nerve biomechanics and dysfunction. Muscle Nerve 59:619-619, 2019.
Volume
59
Issue
5
First Page
619
Last Page
628
ISSN
1097-4598
Published In/Presented At
Sung, J., Sikora-Klak, J., Adachi, S. Y., Orozco, E., & Shah, S. B. (2019). Decoupled epineurial and axonal deformation in mouse median and ulnar nerves. Muscle & nerve, 59(5), 619–628. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26437
Disciplines
Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
30697763
Department(s)
USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students
Document Type
Article