New Endpoints Available for Assessment of Muscle and Peripheral Nerve Components of the Locomotor System

May 10, 2012 - In response to the growing interest in restoring or preserving not only bone quality but also muscle function in aging or debilitated people, Charles River is expanding our focus beyond the evaluation of bones to now also include other components of the locomotor system.  Our new offerings include various novel applications of imaging, biochemical and histomorphometric modalities, as well as electrophysiology measurements (nerve conduction and electromyography) to evaluate the locomotor unit. This expanded focus will allow us to characterize either pharmacologic or adverse effects of xenobiotics.

We have completed studies in adult orchidectomized rats and large animal models that can be used to test compounds with a potential to treat or prevent sarcopenia induced by androgen deficiency. The physiological response to the decline in steroid hormones mimics the natural progression of aging, providing superior models to those induced by surgery or drug intervention.  The results show that in vivo DXA and pQCT imaging can be used to monitor decreases in lean muscle area and bone mineral density in these models.  Nerve and muscle action potential were successfully performed in the rat model. The monitored muscular effects were comparable to those obtained from individual muscles dissected and weighed from the same region.

To learn more about our expanded endpoint offerings, click here to contact an expert.

Related Information

• Bone and Joint Research
• Poster: Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Nerve Conduction Velocity in Rat Preclinical Toxicology Studies (Available only in The Source℠. Click here to log in or click here to register.)