Strain differences in the branching of the sciatic nerve in rats

Rupp, A., Schmahl, W., Lederer, W. and Matiasek, K. (2007) Strain differences in the branching of the sciatic nerve in rats. Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia: Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series C, 36(3), pp. 202-208. (doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00751.x) (PMID:17535353)

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Abstract

The sciatic nerve in the rat is the site most often used for peripheral nerve regeneration studies. The length of sciatic nerve available for research, however, depends on the point at which the sciatic nerve divides into the peroneal and tibial nerves. In the present study, the hind limbs of 150 adult male rats of five different strains (Sprague–Dawley, Fischer 344, Wistar–Han, Lewis and Nude) were analysed with regard to femur length, the point at which the sciatic nerve divides into the tibial and peroneal nerves, and where these are surrounded by the same epineurium, and the point at which they are encased in individual epineurial sheaths. The results indicate that the lengths of sciatic nerve are fairly constant in all strains of rats. In absolute terms, they amount to about one-third of the length of the femur for stretches of undivided sciatic nerve, and up to nearly half of the femur length for stretches where the tibial and peroneal nerves are already present, but are still enclosed by the same epineurium. In 61.7% of the hind limbs examined in Fischer rats, however, no sciatic nerve could be seen as such, but only in the form of its successors surrounded by the separate epineuria. This makes it highly advisable not to use male adult Fischer rats in peripheral nerve regeneration studies with the sciatic nerve as the point of focus.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Rupp, Dr Angie
Authors: Rupp, A., Schmahl, W., Lederer, W., and Matiasek, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia: Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series C
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0340-2096
ISSN (Online):1439-0264
Published Online:24 May 2007

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