Nociceptive trigeminal reflexes in non-sedated horses.
Abstract: Electrically induced reflexes can be used to investigate the physiology and pathophysiology of the trigeminal system in humans. Similarly, the assessment of the trigemino-cervical (TCR) and blink reflexes (BR) may provide a new diagnostic tool in horses. The aim of this study was to evoke nociceptive trigeminal reflexes and describe the electrophysiological characteristics in non-sedated horses. The infraorbital (ION) and supraorbital nerves (SON) were stimulated transcutaneously in 10 adult Warmblood horses in separate sessions using train-of-five electrical pulses. The current was increased gradually until the TCR threshold was found. The stimulus-response curve of the TCR was evaluated. At the same time as TCR, the BR response was also assessed. Surface electromyographic (EMG) responses were recorded from the orbicularis oculi, splenius and cleidomastoideus muscles. Latency, duration, amplitude of the reflexes and behavioural responses were analysed. Noxious electrical stimulation of the ION or SON evoked reflex EMG responses, with similar features regardless of the nerve that had been stimulated. Stimulations of increasing intensity elicited reflexes of increasing amplitude and decreasing latency, accompanied by stronger behavioural reactions, therefore confirming the nociceptive nature of the TCR. These findings provide a reference for the assessment of dysfunction of the equine trigeminal system.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2011-06-12 PubMed ID: 21664846DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.03.022Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The researchers studied the stimulation of nerves in horses to understand their optimal level of responses. These findings can be used for diagnosing issues related to the horses’ nervous system.
Objective of the Study
- This study aimed to stimulate the trigeminal nerves in horses, specifically the infraorbital (ION) and supraorbital nerves (SON), and to observe their reflexes. The main objective was to better understand the physiology of horses and explore possibilities for a new diagnostic tool for horses.
Methodology of The Study
- A group of 10 adult Warmblood horses were examined under unsedated conditions.
- The ION and SON were stimulated transcutaneously using a train-of-five electrical pulses in separate sessions.
- The level of electrical stimulus applied was gradually incremented until the threshold for the trigemino-cervical reflex (TCR) was identified.
- Along with TCR, the blink reflex (BR) was also checked.
- The responses from the orbicularis oculi, splenius, and cleidomastoideus muscles were recorded using surface electromyographic (EMG).
- The latency, duration, amplitude of the reflexes, and behavioural responses were analysed thoroughly.
Findings of the Study
- The data indicates that when a noxious electrical stimulation was applied to either ION or SON, it evoked reflex EMG responses.
- These reflex responses showed similar features irrespective of which nerve was stimulated.
- The study also found that increasing the intensity of stimulations resulted in reflexes of higher amplitude and reduced latency.
- Higher intensity stimulations were also noticed to trigger stronger behavioural reactions, thereby demonstrating the nociceptive nature of TCR.
Significance of the Study
- The study provides significant insights into reflex responses in horses which could be used for the assessment of dysfunctions in the equine trigeminal system.
- The research enables a deeper understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of trigeminal nerves, significantly adding to existing knowledge.
Cite This Article
APA
Veres-Nyéki KO, Leandri M, Spadavecchia C.
(2011).
Nociceptive trigeminal reflexes in non-sedated horses.
Vet J, 191(1), 101-107.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.03.022 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Anaesthesiology Division, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse, Berne CH-3012, Switzerland. kata.veres@vetsuisse.unibe.ch
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blinking / physiology
- Electric Stimulation
- Electromyography / veterinary
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Trigeminal Nerve / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Maidanskaia EG, Mirra A, Marchionatti E, Levionnois OL, Spadavecchia C. Antinociceptive, Sedative and Excitatory Effects of Intravenous Butorphanol Administered Alone or in Combination with Detomidine in Calves: A Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Cross-Over Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 9;13(12).
- Mühlemann S, Leandri M, Risberg ÅI, Spadavecchia C. Comparison of Threshold and Tolerance Nociceptive Withdrawal Reflexes in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Nov 26;11(12).
- Journée SL, Journée HL, Berends HI, Reed SM, de Bruijn CM, Delesalle CJG. Comparison of Muscle MEPs From Transcranial Magnetic and Electrical Stimulation and Appearance of Reflexes in Horses. Front Neurosci 2020;14:570372.
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