Métodos de estudo da transmissão neuromuscular

Este trabalho tem como objetivo documentar as atividades realizadas no Estágio Curricular Obrigatório do curso de Graduação em Física Médica, realizado no Laboratório de Farmacologia da Junção Neuromuscular do Departamento de Farmacologia do Instituto de Biociências da UNESP de Botucatu. O estágio englobou atividades relacionadas à Instrumentação e à Iniciação Científica, ambas visando ao estudo da Farmacologia da Transmissão Neuromuscular. Desta forma, neste relatório serão apresentados, inicialmente, uma breve revisão dos aspectos fundamentais da morfologia e da fisiologia da junção neuromuscular. Posteriormente, serão descritos os métodos de estudo da transmissão neuromuscular aprendidos no decorrer do estágio, especificamente, as técnicas miográfica, que permite o registro da contração muscular, e eletrofisiológica, que possibilita o registro de atividade elétrica celular, ambas in vitro. Finalizando, serão apresentados os resultados do Projeto de Iniciação Científica desenvolvido, cujo objetivo foi estudar a ação do extrato etanólico da planta Tabernaemontana catharinensis sobre o bloqueio neuromuscular induzido por toxinas ofídicas na preparação do nervo frênico-músculo diafragma isolado de camundongos

Efeito da interação entre Bothropstoxina-I e Crotapotina na junção neuromuscular de camundongos “in vitro”: estágio em iniciação científica

A bothropstoxina-I (BthTX-I) é uma fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) Lys49 miotóxica isolada do veneno da Bothrops jararacussu. Embora seja desprovida de atividade neurotóxica in vivo, esta toxina bloqueia a transmissão neuromuscular in vitro. A relação entre as atividades miotóxica e paralisante da BthTX-I ainda não está esclarecida. A crotapotina corresponde à subunidade não-enzimática da crotoxina, principal fração tóxica do veneno da Crotalus durissus terrificus. Isoladamente a crotapotina é atóxica, porém atua como carreadora da PLA2 Asp49 da crotoxina, potencializando sua ação neurotóxica. Esta proteína também é capaz de se complexar com outras PLA2s (Asp49 ou Lys49) de venenos ofídicos, alterando suas toxicidades. Neste trabalho avaliamos a influência da crotapotina sobre o bloqueio neuromuscular e a atividade miotóxica da BthTX-I in vitro. Preparações do nervo frênico-músculo diafragma de camundongos machos foram montadas em cubas para o registro das contrações musculares evocadas direta e indiretamente. Cortes transversais do músculo foram submetidos à coloração por hematoxilina e eosina para a avaliação do padrão morfológico. A BthTX-I (1 μM) isoladamente, ou pré-incubada com crotapotina (2 M) à 35 ºC por 30 minutos, foram adicionadas às preparações. A análise dos dados foi realizada por testes não paramétricos (p<0.05). A BthTX-I induziu bloqueio irreversível e tempo-dependente das contrações musculares diretas e indiretas. O tempo para o bloqueio de 50% das contrações indiretas (18,98 ± 1,94 min, n=4) foi significativamente menor que o das diretas (45,97 ± 5,61 min, n=5). A pré-incubação com a crotapotina não alterou de forma significativa o bloqueio das contrações diretas ou indiretas induzidos pela BthTX-I. Isoladamente, a crotapotina não afetou as contrações... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)

Melhora da aptidão neuromuscular em indivíduos não treinados em força realizando método das séries simples e múltiplas

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of individuals not trained in methods under performing resistance exercise in the method of multiple series and the following exercises: Leg press (LP) 45, leg extension (CE), leg curl (CF), front handle (PF), rowing neutral (RN), bench press (SR) and Peck deck (PD) in 9 weeks with three training sessions / week. The study was with of 6 individuals aged 40 to 55 years were divided into two groups all were tested using the 1 RM for securing cargo to the drills being performed each test 48 h. Results: According to what was observed using this training protocol with different volume in each group for 9 weeks of training in these subjects did not differ in both groups but showed increases above two devices with other evaluated Peck deck and this is due Leg Press major muscle group.

Amplification of neuromuscular transmission by methylprednisolone involves activation of presynaptic facilitatory adenosine A(2A) receptors and redistribution of synaptic vesicles

The mechanisms underlying improvement of neuromuscular transmission deficits by glucocorticoids are still a matter of debate despite these compounds have been used for decades in the treatment of autoimmune myasthenic syndromes. Besides their immunosuppressive action, corticosteroids may directly facilitate transmitter release during high-frequency motor nerve activity. This effect coincides with the predominant adenosine A(2A) receptor tonus, which coordinates the interplay with other receptors (e.g. muscarinic) on motor nerve endings to sustain acetylcholine (ACh) release that is required to overcome tetanic neuromuscular depression in myasthenics. Using myographic recordings, measurements of evoked [H-3]ACh release and real-time video microscopy with the FM4-64 fluorescent dye, results show that tonic activation of facilitatory A(2A) receptors by endogenous adenosine accumulated during 50 Hz bursts delivered to the rat phrenic nerve is essential for methylprednisolone (03 mM)-induced transmitter release facilitation, because its effect was prevented by the A(2A) receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (10 nM). Concurrent activation of the positive feedback loop operated by pirenzepine-sensitive muscarinic M-1 autoreceptors may also play a role, whereas the corticosteroid action is restrained by the activation of co-expressed inhibitory M-2 and Al receptors blocked by methoctramine (0.1 mu M) and DPCPX (2.5 nM), respectively. Inhibition of FM4-64 loading (endocytosis) by methylprednisolone following a brief tetanic stimulus (50 Hz for 5 s) suggests that it may negatively modulate synaptic vesicle turnover, thus increasing the release probability of newly recycled vesicles. Interestingly, bulk endocytosis was rehabilitated when methylprednisolone was co-applied with ZM241385. Data suggest that amplification of neuromuscular transmission by methylprednisolone may involve activation of presynaptic facilitatory adenosine A(2A) receptors by endogenous adenosine leading to synaptic vesicle redistribution. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Neuromuscular effects of venoms and crotoxin-like proteins from Crotalus durissus ruruima and Crotalus durissus cumanensis

A myographic study was performed to compare the neuromuscular effects of venoms and crotoxin-like proteins from Crotalus durissus ruruima and Crotalus durissus cumanensis in mice phrenic-diaphragm preparation. It was concluded that both venoms present neurotoxic activity as a consequence of their crotoxin content. Furthermore, crotoxin from C.d. cumanensis is more potent than that from C.d. ruruima venom. At the concentration range in which both venoms express neurotoxic activity, only C.d. cumanensis venom also manifest a direct myotoxic effect that probably involves the synergic participation of other components than crotoxin. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of neuromuscular fatigue on co-contraction between vastus medialis and vastus lateralis during isometric contractions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeito do intervalo entre sessões de exercício de força sobre o desempenho neuromuscular

Introduction: The rest interval between bouts is a crucial variable of resistance training to ensure recovery of neuromuscular capacity. Objective: To compare the effect of rest interval between repeated bouts of resistance training on neuromuscular capacity of trained men. Methods: Eight resistance-trained men (21.6 +/- 3.3 years, 75.1 +/- 11.3 kg, 178.2 +/- 6.8 cm) performed two randomized and crossover resistance exercise bouts, repeated with rest interval of 24h or 48h. The bouts consisted of horizontal, inclined and declined bench press performed with five sets of 10 repetitions with an intensity of 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) for each exercise. Neuromuscular performance post-exercise bout (strength, power and speed), was assessed with an accelerometer (Myotest (R)), with a load of 50% 1RM, in the bench press exercise. Results: Both sessions (24 and 48h) showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the neuromuscular capacity (strength, power and speed) post-exercise bout, returning to baseline values within 24h (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rest interval of 24h is sufficient for recovery of neuromuscular performance in upper limbs of resistance-trained men.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the masticatory muscles and physiologic sleep variables in adults with cerebral palsy: a novel therapeutic approach

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Neuromuscular efficiency of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

To analyze strength and integrated electromyography (IEMG) data in order to determine the neuromuscular efficiency (NME) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, during the preoperative and postoperative periods; and to compare the injured limb at these two times, using the non-operated limb as a control. EMG data and BF and VL strength data were collected during three maximum isometric contractions in knee flexion and extension movements. The assessment protocol was applied before the operation and two months after the operation, and the NME of the BF and VL muscles was obtained. There was no difference in the NME of the VL muscle from before to after the operation. On the other hand, the NME of the BF in the non-operated limb was found to have increased, two months after the surgery. The NME provides a good estimate of muscle function because it is directly related to muscle strength and capacity for activation. However, the results indicated that two months after the ACL reconstruction procedure, at the time when loading in the open kinetic chain within rehabilitation protocols is usually started, the neuromuscular efficiency of the VL and BF had still not been reestablished.

Exploratory study of electromyographic behavior of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis at neuromuscular fatigue onset

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular adaptations and jumping movement pattern and performance

Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular adaptations and jumping movement pattern and performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(12): 3335-3344, 2012-This study aimed at comparing the effects of strength and power training (ST and PT) regimens on neuromuscular adaptations and changes on vertical jump performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters. Forty physically active men (178.2 +/- 7.0 cm; 75.1 +/- 8.6 kg; 23.6 +/- 3.5 years) with at least 2 years of ST experience were assigned to an ST (n = 14), a PT (n = 14), or a control group (C; n = 12). The training programs were performed during 8 weeks, 3 times per week. Dynamic and isometric maximum strength, cross-sectional area, and muscle activation were assessed before and after the experimental period. Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, kinetics, and kinematics parameters were also assessed. Dynamic maximum strength increased similarly (p < 0.05) for the ST (22.8%) and PT (16.6%) groups. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction increased for the ST and PT groups (p < 0.05) in the posttraining assessments. There was a main time effect for muscle fiber cross-sectional area (p < 0.05), but there were no changes in muscle activation. The SJ height increased, after ST and PT, because of a faster concentric phase and a higher rate of force development (p < 0.05). The CMJ height increased only after PT (p < 0.05), but there were no significant changes in its kinetics and kinematics parameters. In conclusion, neuromuscular adaptations were similar between the training groups. The PT seemed more effective than the ST in increasing jumping performance, but neither the ST nor the PT was able to affect the SJ and the CMJ movement pattern (e.g., timing and sequencing of joint extension initiation).

Effects of strength and power training on neuromuscular variables in older adults

The purpose of this study was to compare the neuromuscular adaptations produced by strength-training (ST) and power-training (PT) regimens in older individuals. Participants were balanced by quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and leg-press 1-repetition maximum and randomly assigned to an ST group (n = 14; 63.6 +/- 4.0 yr, 79.7 +/- 17.2 kg, and 163.9 +/- 9.8 cm), a PT group (n = 16; 64.9 +/- 3.9 yr. 63.9 +/- 11.9 kg, and 157.4 +/- 7.7 cm), or a control group (n = 13; 63.0 +/- 4.0 yr, 67.2 +/- 10.8 kg, and 159.8 +/- 6.8 cm). ST and PT were equally effective in increasing (a) maximum dynamic and isometric strength (p < .05), (b) increasing quadriceps muscle CSA (p < .05), and (c) decreasing electrical mechanical delay of the vastus lateralis muscle (p < .05). There were no significant changes in neuromuscular activation after training. The novel finding of the current study is that PT seems to be an attractive alternative to regular ST to maintain and improve muscle mass.

Maximal strength, number of repetitions , and total volume are differently affected by static-ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching

Barroso, R, Tricoli, V, dos Santos Gil, S, Ugrinowitsch, C, and Roschel, H. Maximal strength, number of repetitions, and total volume are differently affected by static-, ballistic-, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2432-2437, 2012-Stretching exercises have been traditionally incorporated into warm-up routines before training sessions and sport events. However, the effects of stretching on maximal strength and strength endurance performance seem to depend on the type of stretching employed. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of static stretching (SS), ballistic stretching (BS), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on maximal strength, number of repetitions at a submaximal load, and total volume (i.e., number of repetitions 3 external load) in a multiple-set resistance training bout. Twelve strength-trained men (20.4 +/- 4.5 years, 67.9 +/- 6.3 kg, 173.3 +/- 8.5 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. All of the subjects completed 8 experimental sessions. Four experimental sessions were designed to test maximal strength in the leg press (i.e., 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) after each stretching condition (SS, BS, PNF, or no-stretching [NS]). During the other 4 sessions, the number of repetitions performed at 80% 1RM was assessed after each stretching condition. All of the stretching protocols significantly improved the range of motion in the sit-and-reach test when compared with NS. Further, PNF induced greater changes in the sit-and-reach test than BS did (4.7 +/- 1.6, 2.9 +/- 1.5, and 1.9 +/- 1.4 cm for PNF, SS, and BS, respectively). Leg press 1RM values were decreased only after the PNF condition (5.5%, p < 0.001). All the stretching protocols significantly reduced the number of repetitions (SS: 20.8%, p < 0.001; BS: 17.8%, p = 0.01; PNF: 22.7%, p < 0.001) and total volume (SS: 20.4%, p < 0.001; BS: 17.9%, p = 0.01; PNF: 22.4%, p < 0.001) when compared with NS. The results from this study suggest that, to avoid a decrease in both the number of repetitions and total volume, stretching exercises should not be performed before a resistance training session. Additionally, strength-trained individuals may experience reduced maximal dynamic strength after PNF stretching.

Bioenergetics and neuromuscular determinants of the time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to (V) over dotO(2)max in recreational long-distance runners

Bertuzzi, R, Bueno, S, Pasqua, LA, Acquesta, FM, Batista, MB, Roschel, H, Kiss, MAPDM, Serrao, JC, Tricoli, V, and Ugrinowitsch, C. Bioenergetics and neuromuscular determinants of the time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to (V) over dotO(2)max in recreational long-distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2096-2102, 2012-The purpose of this study was to investigate the main bioenergetics and neuromuscular determinants of the time to exhaustion (T-lim) at the velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake in recreational long-distance runners. Twenty runners performed the following tests on 5 different days: (a) maximal incremental treadmill test, (b) 2 submaximal tests to determine running economy and vertical stiffness, (c) exhaustive test to measured the T-lim, (d) maximum dynamic strength test, and (e) muscle power production test. Aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions during the T-lim test were also estimated. The stepwise multiple regression method selected 3 independent variables to explain T-lim variance. Total energy production explained 84.1% of the shared variance (p = 0.001), whereas peak oxygen uptake ((V) over dotO(2)peak) measured during T-lim and lower limb muscle power ability accounted for the additional 10% of the shared variance (p = 0.014). These data suggest that the total energy production, (V) over dotO(2)peak, and lower limb muscle power ability are the main physiological and neuromuscular determinants of T-lim in recreational long-distance runners.

The effect of a Lucia jig for 30 minutes on neuromuscular re-programming, in normal subjects

The Lucia jig is a technique that promotes neuromuscular reprogramming of the masticatory system and allows the stabilization of the mandible without the interference of dental contacts, maintaining the mandible position in harmonic condition with the musculature in normal subjects or in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). This study aimed to electromyographically analyze the activity (RMS) of the masseter and temporal muscles in normal subjects (control group) during the use of an anterior programming device, the Lucia jig, in place for 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes to demonstrate its effect on the stomatognathic system. Forty-two healthy dentate individuals (aged 21 to 40 years) with normal occlusion and without parafunctional habits or ternporomandibular dysfunction (RDC/TMD) were evaluated on the basis of the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles before placement of a neuromuscular re-programming device, the Lucia jig, on the upper central incisors. There were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles in the different time periods. The Lucia jig changed the electromyographic activity by promoting a neuromuscular reprogramming. In most of the time periods, it decreased the activation of the masticatory muscles, showing that this device has wide applicability in dentistry. The use of a Lucia jig over 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes did not promote any statistically significant increase in muscle activity despite differences in the data, thus showing that this intra-oral device can be used in dentistry.