Changes in electrophysiological properties of regenerating rat peripheral nerves after crush injury
Mert, T.; Daglioglu, Y.Kenan.; Gunay, I.; Gocmen, C.
Neuroscience Letters 363(3): 212-217
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-3940 PMID: 15182946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.03.018
Accession: 011842069
The conduction of action potential in peripheral nerves requires the coordinated opening and closing of Na(+) and K(+) channels. In the present study, we used the sucrose-gap recording technique to determine the electrophysiological changes of the regenerating nerves after sciatic nerve injury by using 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and lidocaine. 4-AP enhanced the amplitude and duration of the compound action potentials (CAPs) of regenerating sciatic nerve 15 days post crush (15 dpc), and elicited delayed depolarizations (Del-dep) in 38 dpc and intact groups. Hyperpolarizing afterpotentials elicited by 4-AP were completely removed by TEA in both 15 and 38 dpc. Lidocaine effectively blocked the CAP amplitude. This blockage was more pronounced in 15 dpc than 38 dpc. This agent also exhibited a partial blockage on the Del-dep amplitude. These results may indicate that the changes in the activities of 4-AP- and TEA-sensitive K(+) channels and slow Na(+) channels may play critical roles in nerve excitability and conduction.