Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb. 1991 Sep-Oct;129(5):417-22.
[Synovial cytokines facilitate the development of spontaneous nerve root activity following compression]
Wehling P.
Orthopädische Klinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.
The nerve roots of Wistar rats were studied electrophysiologically following exposure to synovial cytokines. A total of 12 rats was examined. In the experimental series a preparation of synovial cytokines (50 microliters, 250 micrograms protein) was injected into the S1 nerve root of 6 Wistar rats. Six animals served as controls and were injected with a similar solution lacking cytokines. Forty-eight hours after this procedure the S1 nerve root was compressed by a force of 0.2 N for 1 hour. EMG recordings at mid-gastrocnemius levels were performed during, and 3 hours after, compression. The neurophysiological testing performed 3 hours after compression showed a significantly higher level of compression-induced muscle activity in the cytokine group compared to the control.