Alteration in surface muscle electrical anisotropy in the rat SOD1 model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of progressive neurogenic change on surface-measured anisotropy via study in the rat superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model.

Methods: Eight male ALS rats were studied over a period of 10 weeks. In each, the 20 kHz to 1 MHz electrical impedance of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex was measured with electrodes placed at 0° and at 90° relative to the major muscle fiber direction. The major outcome measure, the anisotropy difference (AD) for each of the resistance, reactance, and phase, was calculated as 90-0° values.

Results: All three parameters showed substantial alterations with disease progression. However, the phase AD demonstrated the most substantial change, increasing from 1.8±1.58° to 10.2±2.13° (mean±standard error) comparing the first and last set of measurements (p=0.028).

Conclusions: Anisotropy increases substantially with disease progression in the ALS rat.

Significance: Measurement of surface electrical anisotropy offers a non-invasive means for quantifying neurogenic change in muscle.