Microneurography in rats: a minimally invasive method to record single C-fiber action potentials from peripheral nerves in vivo

摘要: Microneurography is a method suitable for recording intraneural single or multiunit action potentials in conscious subjects. has rarely been applied to animal experiments, where more invasive methods, like the teased fiber technique, are widely used. We have tested feasibility of microneurographic recordings from peripheral nerves rats. Tungsten microelectrodes were inserted into sciatic nerve at mid-thigh level. Single evoked by regular electrical stimulation recorded, digitized and displayed as raster plot latencies. The allows unambiguous recognition C-fiber an vivo preparation, with minimal disruption being recorded. Multiple C-fibers can be recorded simultaneously several hours, if allowed recover, repeated sessions obtained same level over period weeks months. Also, C units functionally identified their changes latency natural stimuli, insensitive recognized 'silent' nociceptors sympathetic efferents distinctive profiles activity-dependent slowing during repetitive stimulation, effect on spontaneous efferent activity proximal anesthetic block. Moreover, information about biophysical properties axons recovery cycles. Finally, we show that this preparation potentially study behavior models neuropathies lesions, both under resting conditions response drug administration.