In the present study, we analyze the morphology and morphometry of the lateral proper digital nerve of the third finger, and of the proximal and distal segments of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves, in Wistar rats 4 or 7 weeks old. The fascicular area and diameter were generally significantly greater in the proximal compared to distal segments and tended to be larger in 7-week-old compared to 4-week-old rats (e.g., median nerve area of 0.13 mm 2 for the proximal and 0.07 mm 2 for distal segments in 4-weekold rats, and 0.17 and 0.10 mm 2 , respectively, for the proximal and distal segments of 7-week-old rats). The number of fascicles was significantly greater while the number of myelinated fibers was significantly less in the distal segments (e.g., 1,359 and 509 myelinated fibers, respectively, in the proximal and distal segments of the radial nerve 4-week-old rats). There was no significant difference in these parameters between the two age groups. The diameter of the myelinated fibers and their respective axons increased from 4 to 7 weeks of age (e.g., myelinated fiber diameter of 4.10 mm in 4-week-old animals and 4.7 mm in the ulnar nerve proximal segment of 7-week-old rats). The g-ratio regression line (axon diameter vs. fiber diameter quotient) was outlined for all the nerves studied here. Differences in myelinated fiber density were detected between the segments of the radial nerve, accompanying the number of myelinated fibers. Detailed knowledge of the microscopic anatomy of rat forelimb nerves provides control data for comparison with studies of experimentally induced neuropathies, which can shed more light on human neuropathies. Anat Rec, 290:477-485, 2007. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

This study evaluated the functional and quantitative differences between the early and delayed use of phototherapy in crushed median nerves. After a crush injury, low-level laser therapy (GaAs) was applied transcutaneously at the injury site, 3 min daily, with a frequency of five treatments per week for 2 weeks. In the early group, the first laser treatment started immediately after surgery, and in the delayed group, after 7 days. The grasping test was used for functional evaluation of the median nerve, before, 10, and 21 days after surgery, when the rats were killed. Three segments of the median nerve were analyzed histomorphometrically by light microscopy and computer analysis. The following features were observed: myelinated fiber and axon diameters, myelin sheath area, g-ratio, density and number of myelinated fibers, and area and number of capillaries. In the proximal segment (site of crush), the nerves of animals submitted to early and delayed treatment showed myelinated fiber diameter and myelin sheath area significantly larger compared to the untreated group. In the distal segment, the myelin sheath area was significantly smaller in the untreated animals compared to the delayed group. The untreated, early, and delayed groups presented a 50, 57, and 81% degree of functional recovery, respectively, at 21 days after injury, with a significant difference between the untreated and delayed groups. The results suggest that the nerves irradiated with low-power laser exhibit myelinated fibers of greater diameter and a better recovery of function.

. Aspects of the macro and microscopic anatomy of the sciatic nerve in Wistar rats. Int. J. Morphol., 34(3):877-884, 2016. SUMMARY:The present study seeks to systematize morphological and morphometrical parameters and brings new data on the main branch of the lumbosacral plexus -i.e., sciatic nerve -in Wistar rats aged four and seven weeks. Sixteen female were divided into two groups, namely animals aged four weeks, and animals aged seven weeks. The specimens were studied at proximal and distal segments of the right hind limb sciatic nerves. Semi-thin transverse sections (0.25 µm thickness) were stained with 1 % toluidine blue, and the morphometric analysis was processed through the KS 400 software. Except for the number of fascicles and fascicular diameter, no differences were found between the proximal and distal segments. We observed differences when morphometric values were compared between 4-and 7-week old animals, with some exceptions (number of fascicles and myelinated fibers, and capillary area and number). The macroscopic data disagree with a previous description of the sciatic nerve being composed by two fascicles. Instead, sciatic nerve's only fascicle trifurcates or quadrifurcates at the distal third of the thigh. The total capillary area and density were calculated, and these are the first referential data for the sciatic nerve. Histograms of myelinated fiber and axons considering the animal ages were built. The results presented here are important because experimental studies, mainly studies on nerve regenerations require comparison with normal reliable data.

PURPOSE: Urodynamic studies in small animals can be performed through urethral sounding or cystostomy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the two methods of urodynamic evaluation in female rats. METHODS: Ten female rats weighing on average 250g, under anesthesia with urethane (1,25 mg/kg) were submitted in three repeats to an urethal catheter of 0,64 mm in external diameter for cystometric measurements of vesicle pressure(VP1) and contraction time (CT1). The catheter was extracted at a constant velocity of 0.05 cm/minute until complete exteriorization and determinations of maximal urethral pressure (UP1) and functional urethral length (FUL1). This was followed by a cystostomy with catheter PE50 and a new determination of the vesical pressure (VP2). After bladder denervation, a new cystometric record indirectly infered the maximum urethral closure pressure (UP2). The peak urethal pressure (UP3) and the functional urethral length (FUL2) were determined in another urethral sounding. The pressure registration system consisted of a continuous infusion pump regulated to a flow of 0.1 ml/minute connected both to the cystostomy catheter (PE-50) or the urethal catheter (0.64mm) and the polygraph Narco-Biosystem. Statistical analysis employed the Wilcoxon non-parametric test RESULTS: Mean VP1= 48,2 mmHg (11,8 SD); Mean VP2 = 38,2 mmHg (9,0 SD) "p" (VP1 X VP2) = 0,0039. Mean CT1=30,2 s (21,5 SD); Mean CT2=20,0 s(7 SD) p (CT1 X CT2) = 1,28. Mean UP1 = 47,2 mmHg (6,5 SD); Mean UP2 = 21,3 mmHg (6,6 SD), mean UP3 = 40,7 mmHg(13,3 SD) p (UP1 X UP2) = 0,002; "p" (UP1 X UP3) = 0,084; p (UP2 X UP3) = 0,002. Mean FUL1=14,2 mm (1,9 SD); Mean FUL2= 14,1mm (1,9 SD); p (FUL1 X FUL2) = 0,64. CONCLUSIONS: The methods employed to evaluate vesical and urethral pressures are different. The presence of the urethral catheter may be an obstructive factor. Surgical denervation up to the bladder neck level does not compromise urethral function.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the effect of short and long term alloxan-induced diabetes on bladder and urethral function of female rats, and also describing its correlated morphological alterations. METHODS:Thirty five female rats were divided into three groups: G1 (n=9), control group; G2 (n=17), six weeks alloxan-induced diabetic rats; G3 (n=9), 20 weeks alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Functional evaluation was performed by cystometry and simultaneous measurements of the urethral pressure during bladder filling and voiding. Morphological evaluation was also performed with measurement of bladder and urethral fibrosis and collagen content and thickness of lamina propria and smooth muscle layers. RESULTS:The peak bladder pressures and contraction amplitudes were decreased in 100% and 47% of the G3 and G2 groups respectively, when compared to control. Bladder overactivity was observed in 53% of the G2 group. CONCLUSION:Alloxan-induced diabetes urethropathty in female rat was associated to bladder morphological alterations as higher thicknesses of it lamina propria, detrusor and adventicea.

RESUMOOs autores enfatizam a necessidade do médico urologista, que faz atendimento do paciente lesado raquimedular com disfunção genitourinária, ter atenção também ao aspecto da sexualidade do paciente. A orientação deve ser voltada para a reabilitação sexual através da busca da exitação, da procura de áreas erógenas no corpo e a resposta ao desejo sexual.Descritores -lesão raquimedular; bexiga neurogênica; sexualidade. Disponível em ABSTRACTThe authors address to urologists who manage patients with spinal trauma and urinary tract dysfunction on the importance to pay attention also to patients' sexuality. Sexual activity recovery should be pursued through the search of erotic areas , excitement and response to the sexual desire.