The Influence of Duration of Tourniquet Application on Induction of Ischemia in Soleus Muscle Atrophy in Rats

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of duration of application of a tourniquet on induction atrophy in the soleus in rats. [Subjects] Eight-week-old Wistar female rats were divided into three experimental groups. [Method] The rats in the experimental groups had ischemia induced in their right hind limbs by tourniquets of different durations on the first experimental day. The durations of ischemia were 30, 60 and 90 minutes. The right hind limbs of the experimental groups were immobilized in complete plantar-flexion by casts. [Results] After two weeks, ischemia-induced muscle atrophy appeared in the 60 and 90 minutes groups. On the other hand, there was no influence of duration of application of the tourniquet on the weight of the rat soleus muscles. [Conclusion] It appears that the duration of application of a tourniquet influences muscle atrophy and at least 60 minutes of ischemia is required to cause muscle atrophy.