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Different effects of substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide on the motor function of bovine intraocular muscles.

Effects of substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on motor function of bovine sphincter, dilator, and ciliary muscles were investigated pharmacologically, with and without field stimulation. SP contracted the sphincter and the maximum response was only about 25% of that in the presence of equimolar doses of carbachol. SP had no significant influence on the bovine dilator, and VIP lowered the tone of the iris muscles. The responses to these peptides seemed mainly to be caused by a direct action on the smooth muscles of the iris. The ciliary muscle did not respond to application of these peptides. There was no influence on the amplitude of the acetylcholine- or norepinephrine-induced responses of any of these bovine intraocular muscles. The nerve-mediated responses of the iris muscles were not altered by application of low doses of these peptides, yet with doses over 5 X 10(-6) M, the evoked response of the iris muscles was lowered. In the ciliary muscle tissue, high concentrations of SP slightly decreased the evoked contraction. These observations indicate that SP and VIP play different roles on the motor function of the bovine intraocular muscles.

Animals↗

[Functional motor innervation of brachial plexus roots: an intraoperative electrophysiological study].

The electrophysiological properties of normal brachial plexus and functional motor innervation during the operation of contralateral healthy side C7 transfer were studied different roots of brachial plexus were stimulated and maximum amplitudes were recorded. The results showed functional motor innervation of brachial plexus roots are (1)C5 mainly forms the axillary nerve which innervates deltoid muscle; (2)C5 constructs most of the musculocutaneous nerve fibers which innervate biceps muscle; (3)main component of the radial nerve comes from C7, which innervates triceps muscle; (4)Medial nerve mainly comes from C8, which innervates flexor digitorum muscle; (5)T1 forms most of the ulnar nerve which innervates intrinsic muscle. Based on the relationship between brachial plexus roots and their functional distribution, the particular aspects of functional innervation of C7 as well as the possibility of utilization of other cervical roots were discussed.

Adolescent↗

Motor function changes in the rat following severe spinal cord injury. Does treatment with moderate systemic hypothermia improve functional outcome?

Systemic hypothermia exerts neuroprotective effects following trauma and ischemia caused by vascular occlusion in the brain. In the spinal cord similar effects have been demonstrated following ischemia after aortic occlusion. We have previously presented protective effects on several morphological parameters in the early period after the injury, using an established spinal cord compression injury model and systemic hypothermia. In the present study we have evaluated the effects on motor function following severe spinal cord compression trauma and treatment with moderate systemic hypothermia. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: In group 1 (n = 4), the animals underwent a hypothermic procedure, including a 2 h hypothermic period with a body temperature of 30 degrees C, following the initial laminectomy. In group 2 (n = 12) a 50 g compression was applied to the spinal cords for 5 min, after which the animals were kept under normothermic anesthesia for 3 h. In group 3 (n = 14), the animals underwent the same trauma procedure as in group 2 and the same hypothermic procedure as in group 1. The animals were allowed to survive for 14 days, during which the motor function was recorded. This degree of trauma results in a non-reversible paraplegia, and the addition of systemic hypothermia as described above did not alter the neurological recovery as measured by two different methods of recording the motor function up to two weeks after injury. All animals survived in group 1. However, the mortality rates in group 2 were 25% and in group 3, 50%, respectively, which mirrors the severity of the trauma. The application of systemic hypothermia and the lack of experimental therapeutic success highlight the difficulties of transferring experimental beneficial neuroprotective effects to a clinically useful treatment method. In this experimental set-up the effects of the severe primary injury may overshadow the effects of the secondary injury mechanisms, which limits the therapeutic possibilities of systemic hypothermic treatment.

Animals↗

The effect of intra-uterine breech position on postnatal motor functions of the lower limbs.

The effect of intra-uterine movement restriction on the development of motor functions was studied longitudinally by comparing infants born after uncomplicated breech position (n = 13) with control infants (vertex position, n = 5-10). Before birth, fetal leg posture was studied at regular intervals by means of real time ultrasound observations, and classified as complete (n = 1), inconsistent (n = 6), or incomplete (n = 6) breech position. Limited extension of the hips, preference posture and joint position in percentage of time (each until 12 weeks), withdrawal reflex and magnet response (until 26 weeks) and posture while sitting, standing and walking without support (up to 12-18 months) were assessed longitudinally. The results showed statistically significant, positive relationships between intra-uterine breech position and neonatal limited extension of the hip-joint, between limited extension of the hip-joint and the percentage of time that the hips are in flexion during the first 12 weeks, between this flexion of the hips (in percentage of time) and an abnormally 'flexed' walking pattern at 12-18 months, and finally, between a positive magnet response at 6 months and an abnormal walking pattern at 12-18 months. These findings suggest that intra-uterine movement restriction of the legs can cause long term alterations in the development of motor functions (leg posture, reflexes and posture while walking), possibly mediated by alterations in proprioceptive feedback mechanisms.

Adult↗

Computer-aided measuring of motor functions using pursuit tracking.

The necessity of evaluating motor functions objectively and quantitatively is discussed. Tracking tasks and their appropriateness in assessing motor performance is reviewed. Motor performance can be effectively assessed by means of tracking tasks. A simple tracking device is presented which allows the measurement of motor performance in different conditions. It is pointed out that computers are well suited for driving the stimulus in tracking tasks as well as recording the performance in experiments based on tracking tasks. Differences between open and closed loop conditions, compensatory tracking, pursuit tracking, preview tracking and cognitive tracking are discussed. A flexible computer-controlled device is presented with which diverse experiments based on tracking tasks can be performed and their results recorded. A complete description of the user-oriented, interactive programs with which the experiments can be controlled and the relevant performance data can be recorded is given. An example of their application on measuring the effects of levodopa therapy on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is presented.

Computers↗

Functional motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic literature review of assessment measures.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of functional assessment measures for children with cerebral palsy, supporting the selection of measures and the interpretation of results from measures. METHODS: Instruments were selected on the basis of a literature search of the Medline, Sportdisk and PsychLIT databases. ISSUES REVIEWED: Instruments were reviewed with respect to target group, purpose, nature, type and psychometric properties. RESULTS: In the literature 17 instruments that are used in paediatric rehabilitation and paediatric physical therapy to assess the functional motor abilities of children with cerebral palsy were found. While there is an urgent need for measures that can evaluate change in functional abilities, it was found that most measures are developed and validated for discriminative purposes. CONCLUSIONS: Although instruments developed within the last decade meet psychometric criteria more adequately than those developed previously, it is concluded that only two evaluative assessment measures, the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), fulfil the criteria of reliability and validity with respect to responsiveness to change.

Cerebral Palsy↗

High frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus has beneficial antiparkinsonian effects on motor functions in rats, but less efficiency in a choice reaction time task.

Chronic subthalamic nucleus high frequency stimulation (STN HFS) improves motor function in Parkinson's disease. However, its efficacy on cognitive function and the mechanisms involved are less known. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of STN HFS in hemiparkinsonian awake rats performing different specific motor tests and a cognitive operant task. Unilateral STN HFS applied in unilaterally DA-depleted rats decreased the apomorphine-induced circling behaviour and reduced catalepsy induced by the neuroleptic haloperidol. DA-depleted rats exhibited severe deficits in the operant task, among which the inability to perform the task was not alleviated by STN HFS. However, in a few animals showing less impairment, STN HFS significantly reduced the contralateral neglect induced by the lesion. These results are the first to demonstrate a beneficial effect of STN HFS applied in awake rats on basic motor functions. However, STN HFS appears to be less effective on impaired cognitive functions.

Adrenergic Agents↗

Impedance characteristics of normal oesophageal motor function.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain detailed data about the correlation between oesophageal peristalsis and bolus transport for clinical oesophageal motility testing. METHODS: Oesophageal motility testing was performed in 25 healthy subjects by using the newly developed technique of concurrent impedancometry and manometry. Parameters of oesophageal motility and bolus transport as well as the correlation between transit and motility were analysed after swallowing saline or yogurt. RESULTS: Detailed data about bolus transport and oesophageal motility could be obtained during a single investigation step. Air was observed in front of the bolus in 76% of the swallows. Resting baseline impedance was significantly higher in the oesophagus than in the stomach (2832+/-118 Omega vs 688+/-119 Omega). The deglutitive impedance gradient was 222+/-26 Omega for saline and 482+/-38 Omega for yogurt. Bolus propagation velocity and bolus transit time as impedance parameters of bolus transport discriminated fluid from semisolid bolus (4.0+/-0.1 cm/s vs 3.2+/-0.1 cm/s and 9.9+/-0.2 s vs 11.5+/-0.2 s, for saline vs yogurt), while contraction wave amplitude as a manometry parameter of oesophageal motor function did not (91.4+/-7.5 mmHg vs 80.7+/-9.4 mmHg, for saline vs yogurt). There was a poor correlation between bolus propagation velocity and contraction wave amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: Impedance parameters of normal oesophageal motor function have been characterized. Impedancometry and manometry provide different but complementary data about oesophageal motor function. Concurrent impedancometry and manometry allows detailed monitoring of oesophageal motility and bolus transit, which may open new perspectives for comprehensive oesophageal motility testing.

Adult↗

Review article: gall-bladder motor function in obesity.

A number of epidemiological studies has established obesity as a risk factor for gallstone disease. More recently, studies have suggested a relationship between gallstone disease and the metabolic syndrome linked to central adiposity, whose cardinal feature is represented by hyperinsulinaemia. Studies on fasting gall-bladder volume in obese subjects show that this parameter correlates with weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area; however, this is also true for large-sized non-obese subjects. Gall-bladder volume also correlates with abdominal fat and with impaired glucose tolerance. In contrast to the well-established role of bile supersaturation in the pathogenesis of gallstones in obesity, data are controversial on whether gall-bladder motor function is defective in obese subjects. However, studies were heterogeneous for subjects' BMI, emptying stimulus, technique used and parameters assessed to evaluate gall-bladder motor function. Also, differences in baseline gall-bladder volume may lead to wide differences in bile 'washout' effect despite apparently similar percentage changes in volume or content. Although post-prandial plasma levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) are normal in obese subjects, there is some evidence that a sub-group of obese subjects could have decreased sensitivity to CCK, possibly mediated by hyperinsulinaemia. Further studies using standard physiological stimuli and controlling for glucose tolerance, fasting insulin levels and baseline gall-bladder volume are needed to establish the role of gall-bladder motor function in the pathogenesis of gallstone disease in obesity.

Body Mass Index↗

[Electromyographic studies on gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition in dogs (author's transl)].

The gastric and intestinal motor function following pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition were studied electromyographically in dogs. The action potentials were recorded from the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus and the duodenum before and after insertion of warm water. Studies were made on the frequency, the propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the portions mentioned above, and the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal porition of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The frequency of the spike-bursts found in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum showed a remarkable increase after insertion of warm water. 2) The propagation velocity of the spike-bursts in the interposed jejunal segment, the preserving pylorus, and the duodenum were accelerated after insertion of warm water. 3) There were observed a moderate increase in the incidence of the spike-bursts which propagated from the distal portion of the interposed jejunal segment to the preserving pylorus, and from the preserving pylorus to the proximal portion of the duodenum after insertion of warm water. These findings suggested that the motor function of the interposed jejunal segment, that of the preserving pylorus, and that of the duodenum after pylorus preserving gastrectomy with jejunal interposition might be kept not yet injured enough to transport the contents from the interposed jejunal segment into the duodenum.

Action Potentials↗

Neuroprotective effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in spinal cord injury-induced pathophysiology and motor functions: an experimental study in the rat.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced motor dysfunction, breakdown of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), edema formation, and cell injury was examined using a pharmacological approach. We used three types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: a nonselective blocker, L-NAME; an irreversible inhibitor of all isoforms of NOS, L-NMMA; and a long-term competitive inhibitor of neuronal NOS with equal potency to inhibit endothelial NOS, L-NNA. The compounds were administered once daily in separate groups of rats for 7 days. On the 8th day, SCI was performed by making a longitudinal incision into the right dorsal horn of the T10-11 segments, and the rats were allowed to survive 5 h after injury. Long-term treatment with L-NNA attenuated SCI-induced NOS upregulation, BSCB breakdown, edema formation, and cell injury, whereas comparatively less neuroprotection is offered by L-NMMA. The magnitude of neuroprotection is much less evident in injured animals that received L-NAME. Interestingly, SCI-induced motor dysfunction measured according to the Tarlov scale showed close correlation with the magnitude of neuroprotection. Thus, an improvement in motor function was seen in animals pretreated with L-NNA, whereas rats treated with L-NAME or L-NMMA did not show any influence on motor dysfunction after SCI. This observation suggests that inhibition of neuronal NOS is important for neuroprotection, and the disturbances in motor function following SCI are associated with the state of spinal cord pathology.

Animals↗

Partial preservation of motor function by inhibition of arachidonate metabolism in rats with phospholipase A2-induced caudate lesions.

Dexamethasone pretreatment prevents motor impairment manifested by ipsilateral rotation and phospholipid alterations resulting from phospholipase A2-induced caudate nucleus lesions in rats. If motor function preservation is attributed solely to the antiprostaglandin activity of dexamethasone, then indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) and phenidone (an inhibitor of both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase) should also diminish rotation. Phenidone offered dose-related, partial protection whereas indomethacin did not. Histologic sections of rat brain indicated that a positive correlation existed between the size of the caudate lesion and number of rotations for the various treatments. Because dexamethasone produced essentially complete protection, it is hypothesized that dexamethasone protects caudate motor function by interfering with breakdown of membrane phospholipids, as well as by preventing formation of arachidonate and its products.

Animals↗

Morphology and motor function of the gastrointestinal tract examined with endosonography.

Endosonography is a useful tool for studying the morphology and motor function of the gastrointestinal tract. Intraluminal ultrasonography is the common denomination of ultrasound examinations using intracorporal transducers which are inserted into the GI tract. Thus, the visceral wall and adjacent structures can be imaged in detail. This review describes the usefulness of endosonography in gastroenterology, in particular with respect to studies of the biomechanical and motor function of the gastrointestinal tract. New techniques such as 3-D EUS, elastography and strain rate imaging are discussed.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Development of a novel orofacial motor function assessment scale for children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop the orofacial motor function assessment scale (OFMFAS) and appraise its performance in terms of validity and reliability in a cohort of 116 cerebral palsy patients. METHODS: The scale was developed according to a process derived from the theory of measurement and scale development previously described in the dental literature. The final version of the OFMFAS comprises 13 items that have 30 subitems. Results were statistically analyzed by Bland-Altman for: (1) intrarater consistency; (2) kappa coefficient for inter-rater agreement; and (3) Cronbach alpha for internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The majority of OFMFAS items showed a very good agreement between the raters (K>0.75). Cronbach alpha for the 13-item scale was 0.93, indicating excellent internal consistency reliability. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the oralfacial motor function assessment scale is the first statistically-based scale for the quantitative assessment of oral-motor skills in cerebral palsy children. It is an easy-to-use, accurate, and valid method of assessment.

Cerebral Palsy↗

Electronic motor function diary for patients with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study.

Parkinson's disease (PD) studies often measure daily motor function with paper diaries resulting in issues of compliance and reliability. The feasibility and compliance of PD patients using electronic diaries were examined. Twelve patients completed diaries for 7 consecutive days. Diaries recorded motor function, time and date of each half-hour entry and had an alarm as notification of missed entries. Entry compliance was 99.98% within 24h and average response time during awake hours was 63 min. Electronic diaries could be operated by PD patients, provided valuable information about response patterns and resulted in average response compliance of approximately 1h.

Adult↗

[Opioid mechanism of regulation of the autonomic and motor functions in rabbits].

In rabbits, effects of s.c. administration of met-enkephaline (MET) and stimulation of hypothalamic nuclei upon vegetative and motor functions are similar and involve changes of the breathing rate, heart rate, and diminishing of the motor component of orienting responses. MET acts mainly upon cardiac parameters. Administration of naloxone eliminates the MET effect upon the vegetative and motor parameters. The role of opioid mechanism in regulation of the brain's visceral-motor function regulation, is emphasized.

Animals↗

Functional motor innervation of brachial plexus roots. An intraoperative electrophysiological study.

The electrophysiological properties of the normal brachial plexus and functional motor innervation were examined during the operation of transfer of contralateral C7 transfer from the healthy side. Different roots of the brachial plexus were stimulated and maximum amplitudes were recorded. The results showed that functional motor innervation of brachial plexus roots were: C5 mainly forms the axillary nerve to innervate the deltoid muscle; C6 mainly forms the musculocutaneous nerve to innervate biceps; C7 mainly forms the radial nerve to innervate triceps; C8 mainly forms the median nerve to innervate flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus; and T1 mainly forms the ulnar nerve to innervate the intrinsic muscles of the hand.

Adult↗

Sensory and motor function of the esophagus: lessons from ultrasound imaging.

Catheter-based high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound imaging is a powerful tool to study esophageal sensory and motor function and dysfunction in vivo in humans. It can be combined with manometry, pH, and impedance measurement techniques to determine the relationships between different physiologic parameters. High-frequency intraluminal ultrasound imaging has provided a number of important insights regarding the longitudinal muscle function of the esophagus. On the basis of the ultrasound images and intraluminal pressure recordings, it seems that there is synchrony in the timing and the amplitude of contraction between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers. A sustained contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer is temporally related to esophageal chest pain and heartburn. The biomechanics of the esophageal wall and its relationship to sensory and motor function can be studied in humans in vivo by using high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound much more precisely than has previously been possible. Achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, and nutcracker esophagus are associated with hypertrophy of circular and longitudinal muscle layers. Finally, high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound imaging is the only technique that can detect reflux-related distention of the esophagus and its role in esophageal symptoms. Future approaches to display and quantify ultrasound image data are discussed. The principles of high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound described here are also applicable to study of the motor and sensory function of the other regions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Esophageal Sphincter, Upper↗