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J Reconstr Microsurg 1995; 11(6): 423-428
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006556
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Motor Endplate Analysis of the Denervated and Reinnervated Orbicularis Oculi Muscle in the Rat

Peter K. Thanos, Julia K. Terzis
  • Microsurgical Research Center, International Institute of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The present study examined the histochemical characteristics of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) in the rat, in order to better understand the target muscle of the blink reflex-specifically, the motor endplate distribution and number in the normal, denervated, and reinnervated OOM. Assessment of the number of endplates needed to accomplish eye closure would provide critical information in the microsurgical restoration of the blink reflex in facial paralysis. Results demonstrated a 50% increase in the number of endplates of reinnervated rats, compared to denervated animals.