Functionally essential neuronal population of the facial motor nucleus
2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 45; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0168-0102(02)00231-6
ISSN1872-8111
AutoresShigeaki Kobayashi, Jun-ichi Koyama, Kumiko Yokouchi, Nanae Fukushima, Susumu Oikawa, T. Moriizumi,
Tópico(s)Nerve injury and regeneration
ResumoCranial nerve impairment is one of the more serious complications in neurosurgery. Nevertheless, the important question of how many neurons are required for cranial nerve functions remains unanswered. The VIIth cranial nerve (facial nerve) in mice was subjected to graded crush injuries. After assessment of the facial function, the number of uninjured, healthy facial motor neurons was quantified with a retrograde neuronal tracer. We report that normal facial function is preserved if intact neurons account for more than 56% of the control value, while complete facial paralysis occurs if intact neurons are reduced to less than 32% of the control value.
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