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Neuroscience

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Methods Article

Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography (SFEMG) for Assessing Neuromuscular Junction Transmission in Rodent Models

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04:30 min

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March 8th, 2024

DOI :

10.3791/66452-v

March 8th, 2024

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Arsh Ketabforoush¹, Meifang Wang¹, W. David Arnold¹^,²^,³^,⁴

¹NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, ²Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, ³Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, ⁴Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri

Transcript

In this report, we present a stepwise approach to stimulate single fiber EMG in rodents. Additionally, in a rat model of brocorion-induced neurovascular junction transmission failure, we demonstrate the all or non appearance of single fiber action potentials and provide representative examples of increased jitter and blocking. Single fiber EMG is a well established clinical diagnostic test, but its application in preclinical studies is limited.

Our protocol bridges this gap by clearly outlining the procedural steps for qualifying jitter and blocking to characterize rodent models of aging in a neuromuscular disease. Our lab focuses on translational neuromuscular physiology in the context of health, aging, and disease. By leveraging techniques that can be applied both in preclinical and clinical studies, our findings can be more readily translatable to improve human health.

Summary

In this study, we demonstrate a refined single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) protocol to allow in vivo measurement of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission in rodent models. A step-by-step approach to the SFEMG technique is described to allow quantification of NMJ transmission variability and failure in rat gastrocnemius muscle.

Explore More Videos

Stimulated Single Fiber Electromyography

SFEMG

Neuromuscular Junction Transmission

Rodent Models

Jitter

Blocking

Neurovascular Junction Transmission

Single Fiber Action Potentials

Clinical Diagnostic Test

Preclinical Studies

Translational Neuromuscular Physiology

Motor Function

Healthcare Application

Chapters in this video

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Introduction