BTX-A has notable effects contradicting some treatment aims in the rat triceps surae compartment, which are not confined to the muscles injected

Botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) is widely used in treating gastrocnemius medial (GM) and lateral (GL) muscles in cerebral palsy to improve joint motion. However, recent animal experiments indicate inferior BTX-A effects beyond the injected muscle. The goal was to test the following hypotheses in a rat model. (1) BTX-A injected into the GM and GL does not spread into the soleus (SOL), and muscles exposed show (2) a wider length range of force exertion (Lrange), (3) reduced passive forces and (4) no intermuscular interaction effects.
Source: Journal of Biomechanics - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research