Compound motor action potentials

In contractile experiments the time from the stimulation of the nerve to the CMAP recorded in muscle provides an estimate of NCV. The length of the nerve from the stimulating electrode to the muscle can simply be measured and divided by the time. However, the time recorded in this way includes the delay for synaptic transmission, which may be increased in models with synaptic defects. If this is a concern or if the only parameter desired is NCV, then the measurement can be obtained non-invasively with a relatively simple setup (e.g., (3)). Using the sciatic nerve, NCV can be calculated by measuring the latency of compound motor action potentials recorded in the muscle of a rear paw. Action potentials are produced by subcutaneous stimulation at two separate sites proximal stimulation at the sciatic notch and distally at the ankle. NCV is then calculated by using the two latencies and conduction distance. Decreases in nerve conduction velocity most often reflect defects in myelination, but may also be the result of changes in internodal distance, decreased axon diameters, or altered excitability. 

The causative oiganophosphate was identified in nine patients four fenthion, two dimethoate. two monocrotophos, and one mclhamidophos. Standard biochemistry and cerebrospinal fluid examination were normal. Cholinesterase (ChE) assays were not available. Electromyography (EMG) showed normal motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and normal needle myography. Tetanic stimulafion of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle 24-48 hr after the onset of IMS showed a marked fade at 20 and 50 Hz. A train of four stimuli applied at 2 Hz produced no changes in the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP). CMAPs are the motor responses recorded with surface electrodes over a muscle after stimulation of its motor nerve. 

The electrophysiological procedure provided an evaluation of the reinnervation of plantar muscles after transection and grafting of the sciatic nerve. Electrical stimuli were applied to the nerve via percutaneous needle electrodes, both proximal and distal to the transection site, and the resulting compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) elicited in the plantar muscles of the foot were recorded using a concentric needle. The time between the stimulation of the nerve and the onset of the elicited CMAPs, termed the distal motor latency, was measured. ... 

Research for an antidepressant among non-tricyclic compounds with pharmacological effects qualitatively different from those of the conventional tricyclic compounds led to the preparation and testing of a series of indazole derivatives for reserpine-like activity in mice. l-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-5-methyl-3-phenyl-l//-indazole (FS-32 692) antagonizes reserpine-induced effects and potentiates amphetamine-induced self-stimulation and l-Dopa-induced increase in motor activity. FS-32 produces an anticholinergic action mainly on the central nervous System, while the action of imipramine occurs centrally as well as peripherally (79AF511). 

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