OBJECTIVETo compare the results of in vivo and in vitro in determination of the changes of allyl chloride (AC)-induced electrophysiology in rats sciatic nerve.

METHODSNinety male Wistar rats weighted 180 approximately 220 g were divided randomly into two groups, i.e. experimental group (n=40) and control group (n=50). The rats in experimental group were treated with AC dissolved in corn oil (200 mg/kg ip 3 days/week) by gavage for 12 weeks. Electrophysiological indexes of each group were determined on 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks of AC intoxication. The indexes included measurements of sciatic nerve conduct velocity (NCV), compound action potential amplitude (CAPA), potential latency (PL), time course (TC), threshold potential (TP) and max stimulate potential (MSP).

RESULTSCompared to the corresponding time-matched control rats, on 6, 9 and 12 weeks of AC intoxication, NCV were decreased by 23.6%, 40.4% and 48.6% (P<0.05, P<0.01) in vivo, while in vitro it was decreased by 15.4% (P<0.05) on 12 week, CAPA were reduced by 31.7% in vivo, while in vitro it was reduced by 31.7%, 38.9% and 58.9% (P<0.05, P<0.01), respectively, PL were prolonged 22.6% and 40.7% (P<0.01) on 9, 12 weeks in vivo, while in vitro it was prolonged 8.0% (P<0.05), TC were increased 22.5%, 34.6% and 47.5% (P<0.01) in vivo, while in vitro it was increased 11.6%, 20.0% (P>0.05) and 19.5% (P<0.01), respectively, TP were elevated 12.1% (P>0.05), 32.3% and 40.0% (P<0.05) in vivo, while in vitro it was elevated 16.4% (P>0.05), 29.2% and 35.6% (P<0.05), respectively, MSP were increased 40.5% (P>0.05), 69.0% and 86.5% (P<0.01) in vivo, while in vitro it was increased 29.7% (P>0.05), 52.0% and 61.9% (P<0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe two methods of in vivo and in vitro showed that AC could significantly affect the electrophysiology of sciatic nerve, and the time-dependent changes occurred. The NCV is the most sensitive indicator in vivo to the early diagnosis of AC intoxication, while CAPA is the most sensitive indicator in vitro.