TRANSCUTANEOUS NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL-STIMULATION EFFECT ON THE DEGREE OF MICROVASCULAR PERFUSION IN AUTONOMICALLY DENERVATED RAT SKELETAL-MUSCLE

Objective: To determine the effect of transcutaneous neuromuscular ele ctrical stimulation (TNMES) on the degree of microvascular perfusion i n autonomically denervated skeletal muscle. Design: A completely rando mized experimental design was used to compare the effects of TNMES on the degree of microvascular perfusion in the tibialis anterior (TA) an d extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from autonomically denervate d rats (Ch-TES) to the degree of microvascular perfusion in the same m uscles of untreated controls, rats receiving only TNMES (TES), and rat s receiving only autonomic denervation (shams). Interventions: All ele ctrical stimulation treatments were delivered via carbon silicone surf ace electrodes, and evoked sustained tetanic contraction of the TA and EDL muscles, Autonomic denervation was achieved by the application of chlorisondamine. Main Outcome Measures: The degree of microvascular p erfusion was determined for the deep (DTA) and superficial (STA) regio ns of the TA muscle and the EDL muscle by calculating their perfused m icrovessel/muscle fiber (PV/F) ratio. Results: The PV/F ratio in the D TA from Ch-TES animals was greater (p less than or equal to .05) than that in the same muscle from control and sham animals. The PV/F ratios in the STA and EDL from Ch-TES animals were not significantly (p > .0 5) different from the PV/F ratio in the respective muscles of shams. C onclusions: The response of the microvasculature in autonomically dene rvated skeletal muscle to TNMES that evokes muscle contraction is vari able, and (2) mechanisms other than autonomic regulation may be involv ed in this hyperemic response. (C) 196 by the American Congress of Reh abilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.