Characterization of frequency-dependent responses of sensory nerve function to repetitive vibration

The frequency-dependent effects of repeated vibration exposures on peripheral nerve function and biology were characterized. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and were maintained in an AALAC-accredited vivarium under a 12:12 LD cycle with food and water available ad libitum. Fiber functions were assessed using transcutaneous electrical stimulation at 3 different frequencies. Changes in gene expression were measured in the ventral tail nerve and DRG using total rat genome arrays to identify candidate genes and changes were verified using quantitative PCR. The results show no significant changes in the CPTs at 250 or Hz. Between days 1 and 9, there is a significant decrease in the 2000 Hz CPT in rats exposed to vibration at all frequencies. nerves from rats exposed to vibration at 250 Hz displayed a significant reduction in myelin thickness and an increase in the area stained for albumin.