Effect of crush and axotomy of phrenic nerves on oxidative stress in diaphragm muscle of rats.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study we investigated the effect of crush and axotomy of phrenic nerves on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat diaphragm muscle. METHODS: The animals in the first group were not crushed or axotomized and served as controls. Phrenic nerves of the rats in the second and third groups were crushed or axotomized in the diaphragm muscle. RESULTS: The malondialdehyde level increased in diaphragm muscles after both crush and axotomy. The antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, carbonic anhydrase, and catalase, decreased in diaphragm muscles after both crush and axotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Crushing or axotomizing the phrenic nerves may produce oxidative stress in the diaphragm muscle of the rat by increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities.