A Mechnism Study Regarding Transmembrane NE Receptor Of Facial Nerve In Generation Of Hemifacial Spasm

Objectives: Hemifacial spasm has been proved to be caused by vascular compression of the VII cranial nerve root, but the mechanism of it still unclear so far.According to our previous study, we believe that the norepinephrine receptor, which released by the sympathetic nerve on the offending artery, may act a important role in this disease. In order to prove the theory, we performed a lot of experiments in SD rats.Methods: First, we adopt Moller’s HFS model and the AMR wave was monitored.Then we cut off all the facial nerve to immunohistochemistry detection of the NE receptor expression, and to discuss the relationship of the receptor and AMR wave.Then, we establish the model of injury of facial nerve. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the facial nerve epineurium, the Western-Blot experiment was also performed to detect the NE receptor protein.Results: After the electrophysiological monitored 6/10 rats were recorded AMR, all of them showed increased NE receptor, and we also find that one SD rat also showed increased NE receptor in the group of AMR(-). Electron microscopy found lesions of the epineuria in 7/10 SD rats, Western-Blot experiments showed up-regulation of NE receprot in 6/7 from the lesions of the epineuria group, while 0 from the negative group.Conclusion: Up-regulation of NE receptor was found in the damaged facial nerve epineuria, which could be the base of hemifacial spasm.