Ultrastructure of Myofascial Trigger Points of Skeletal Muscles of Rats after Photobiostimulation with Low-Intensity Red Light.

The effectiveness of low-intensity red light on myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscle of mature rats was evaluated by electron microscopy and high-resolution respirometry. The revealed changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity of the respiratory chain enzymes indicate the development of hypoxia in the simulation area. Under the influence of low-intensity red light on myofascial trigger points, a decrease in the number of destructively altered muscle fibers and stimulation of mitochondrial respiration were found. These findings indicate intracellular regeneration and the stimulating effect of low-intensity red light on plastic processes.

Reconstruction of the Rat Sciatic Nerve by Using Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Conduits.

The aim of the study was to compare two types of conduits made of either non-resorbable Reperen or resorbable Tissucol for their effects on the regeneration of the rat sciatic nerve under conditions of stump diastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were carried out using outbred white male rats of the reproductive age (n=14). The animals were divided into three groups: group 1, intact (n=5), used for studying the morphology of the sciatic nerve; group 2 (n=4) - nerve plastic surgery was performed using a conduit made of non-resorbable Reperen; group 3 (n=5) - surgery was performed using a conduit made of resorbable Tissucol. The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane. After a complete transection of the sciatic nerve in the middle third of the thigh, its stumps were inserted into a conduit of an internal diameter of 2 mm and a length of 10 mm, filled with saline. Diastasis of 5 mm in length was created by spreading the nerve ends and securing the epineurium to the tube edges with 8/0 polypropylene sutures. A total count of myelinated nerve fibers was performed in the area of repair (tubulation) and the distal part of the nerve; the formation of connective tissue sheaths was assessed 14 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: According to the morphological assessment, both types of conduits (resorbable and non-resorbable) caused the similar number of fibers to restore in the distal part of the repaired nerve; clinical characteristics of the animals in both groups were close to each other and to the norm. CONCLUSION: The results allow us to consider the conduit made of non-resorbable Reperen as a device promising for neuroplasty along with the resorbable conduit made of Tissucol.