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ISSN 2522-9028 (Print)
ISSN 2522-9036 (Online)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/fz

Fiziologichnyi Zhurnal

(English title: Physiological Journal)

is a scientific journal issued by the

Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology
National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

Editor-in-chief: V.F. Sagach

The journal was founded in 1955 as
1955 – 1977 "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 0015 – 3311)
1978 – 1993 "Fiziologicheskii zhurnal" (ISSN 0201 – 8489)
1994 – 2016 "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 0201 – 8489)
2017 – "Fiziolohichnyi zhurnal" (ISSN 2522-9028)

Fiziol. Zh. 2025; 71(5S): 33-41

From classic electrophysiology to systems biology: the evolving role of the in situ rat hindlimb neuromuscular preparation

D. Zavodovskyi, N. Semenuk, O. Lehedza

  1. Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of the NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/fz71.05.033


Abstract

The in situ rat hindlimb neuromuscular preparation serves as a pivotal experimental model in physiology and biomedical research, enabling detailed investigations of skeletal muscle contractile function and neuromuscular transmission under conditions closely resembling the physiological state. This review article systematically consolidates knowledge of this model, tracing its evolution from inception to its contemporary multifaceted applications and directions for future development. The first section examines the historical prerequisites that facilitated the development of this method, which established the foundations for understanding the electrical nature of nerve impulses and synaptic transmission. The second section is dedicated to analyzing the contemporary utilization of this preparation in global scientific practice. It explores its role in detail, encompassing the study of fundamental mechanisms of muscle contraction and fatigue, the modeling of peripheral neuropathies, traumatic nerve and muscle injuries, and the investigation of muscle dysfunction in systemic pathologies such as sepsis, diabetes mellitus, and spinal cord injury. Specific attention is given to the evolution of the methodology and its integration with modern electrophysiological approaches. The third section analyzes the prospects for future applications of the model. Its designation as a “gold standard” for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies is substantiated. New opportunities are discussed, including the integration of this model with nanotechnologies to study the impact of nanoparticles on NO-dependent regulation of muscle contraction, as well as its integration with systems biology technologies for a comprehensive analysis of neuromuscular function. The article emphasizes that, despite its classical status, the in situ rat hindlimb neuromuscular preparation remains an indispensable and relevant tool for addressing both fundamental and applied challenges in modern physiology and medicine. Keywords: neuromuscular preparation, skeletal muscle, contractile force, rat, neuromuscular transmission, muscle fatigue, electrophysiology, review.

Keywords: neuromuscular preparation, skeletal muscle, contractile force, rat, neuromuscular transmission, muscle fatigue, electrophysiology, review

Full text: (PDF, in English)

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