H-reflex and M-wave studies in the fore-and hindlimbs of rabbit

Authors: ERKUT TURAN, CENGİZ ÜNSAL, AYKUT GÖKTÜRK ÜNER

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the H-reflex in the forelimb and to compare the forelimb and hindlimb H-reflex results and Hmax/Mmax ratios in rabbit. For this purpose, we used 15 healthy adult female New Zealand albino rabbits. Left limbs of rabbits were used for stimulation and recording procedures using general anesthesia. Electrophysiological tests were performed using Nikolet Viking Quest (USA) 2-channel EMG equipment. The median and the tibial nerves were used to evaluate H-reflex and M-waves. Latencies of the H-reflex were almost the same in both limbs. However, M-wave latencies and amplitudes were significantly different, P-values being P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively. Hmax/Mmax ratios of the forelimb (0.15 ± 0.075) and the hindlimb (0.15 ± 0.068) were similar in rabbits. One possible reason for our Hmax/Mmax ratio results may be related to interspecies differences in descending pathways from red nucleus and reticular formation to cervical and lumbar spinal segments.

Keywords: H-reflex, rabbit, Hmax/Mmax ratio, forelimb, hindlimb

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