Role of muscle neurotization in the reinnervation of murine muscle grafts

Abstract

Although the reinnervation of muscle grafts has been demonstrated, the question remains as to the source of neurons reinnervating the graft. A muscle graft could be reinnervated by its original neurons (neural neurotization) or by sprouting of axons which supply the intact myofibers of surrounding muscles (muscle neurotization). The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of muscle neurotization in the reinnervation process using both horseradish peroxidase and fluorescent tracers. Observations from 20 muscle grafts indicate that the neurons reinnervating the grafts are from the original motor neuron pool. Thus muscle neurotization may not occur during the reinnervation process.

The Effect of Reinnervation on Force Production and Power Output in Skeletal Muscle

“…In addition, a direct epineural neurorrhaphy provides the opportunity for axonal regeneration within the endoneural conduits in the distal nerve stump. Previous studies have demonstrated that this route for axonal regeneration is far more efficient in promoting muscle fiber reinnervation than neurotization with axons regenerating outside the basal lamina conduits [57][58][59]. Although we cannot exclude the possibility that some autoreinnervation of the denervated EDL muscle occurred exclusive of the neurorrhaphy, it seems unlikely that such reinnervation would confound our results by substantially contributing to the functional recovery of the reinnervated muscle.…”

Free functional platysma transfer for restoration of spontaneous eye closure in facial paralysis: an analysis of anatomy, imaging, and clinical outcomes

“…It is clear that direct neurotization can lead to de novo formation of neuromuscular junctions; however, studies have shown this to be inferior to reinnervation through neurorrhaphy, 44 except in situations of prolonged denervation. 41,42,45 By introducing a vascularized muscle, the nerve to the platysma can be raised with the flap and superior reinnervation of the muscle can be expected through a direct neurorrhaphy. Terzis and Karypidis describe basing the flap on a cervical branch.…”