An animal model for ischemic facial nerve paralysis with a selective embolization

抄録

In the absence of a suitable animal model for ischemic facial paralysis, most of the past reports took place in humans, resulting in studies understandably restricted by the nature of human investigation. Within this context, the development of an animal model would be considered a major breakthrough in facial nerve research. Our present results showed changes in the evoked EMG response of M. orbicularis oris, consistent with the facial nerve damage known to produce facial weakness in man. A procedure used is superselective embolization of posterior auricular or internal maxillary with or without external maxillary artery with more than 1%, 1.5-2.5ml of microfibrillar collagen (Avitene, Alcon Inc., Puerto Rico) in cats. Accordingly, an animal model of ischemic facial nerve paralysis is proposed that permits further clarification of pathophysiology, allowing the accommodation of adequate ideas for the treatment of this widespread facial nerve disorder.