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.
