ABSTRACT
@#ObjectiveTo observe the hindlimb motor end-plate morphology and activity of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) in different types of muscle fiber end-plate areas after spinal cord injury and spinal cord reconstruction tubes inducing spinal cord regeneration. Methods43 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into spinal cord transected group at T8 (Cx group), spinal cord transected with transplantation of reconstruction tubes group (CxTp group) and control group (Co group). 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation, gastrocnemius, soleus and extensor digitorum longus were dissected respectively, and stained with gold chloride to observe the motor end-plate and stained with Karnovsky-Roots to detect AChE. ResultsIn Cx group, the end-plates degenerated since 3 months after operation, while the AChE activity declined. In CxTp group, end-plate structure and morphology were relatively stable and there were no signs of degeneration. ConclusionAfter spinal cord injury, motor end-plates undergo degeneration. The spinal cord reconstruction tubes graft can prevent end-plate degeneration and benefit for AChE reactivation and motor end-plate morphological and structural plasticity towards the direction of neurological rehabilitation.