Objective. We have observed microvascular corrosion casts of the lumbar nerve root by scanning electron microscopy and used an immunohistochemical technique
to investigate the presence and distribution of autonomic and sensory nerve in blood vessels of the nerve root.
Summary of Background Data. It is generally considered that the genesis of radiculopathy associated with the degenerative conditions of the spine may result from both mechanical compression and circulatory disturbance. However, the neurogenic control of intraradicular blood flow has received little attention in the past.
Methods. For three-dimensional observation of intraradicular vessels, we used scanning electron Selleckchem SN-38 microscopic examination of microvascular corrosion casts in ten Wister rats. To investigate the mechanism of vasomotion of the nerve root, BLZ945 cost we used immunohistochemical methods. The sections were incubated overnight with antisera to tyrosine hydroxylase, choline acetyl transferase, substance P, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, leucine-enkephalin, cholecystokinin octapeptide, brain-nitric oxide synthase, and endothelium-nitric oxide synthase. Abidin-biotin complex method was used as the immunohistochemical procedure and the sections were observed under the light microscope.
Results.
The general view of whole vascular casts of the lumbar spinal cord and nerve roots showed a high density of vessels. Bifurcation or anastomoses of capillaries approximately took place at
right angles in a T-shaped pattern and capillaries showed a lot of ring-like compressions. This ring-like compression on the cast may represent a vascular sphincter in the microvessels. This study also reveals the existence of perivascular adrenergic, cholinergic, peptidergic, and nitroxydergic innervation with a possible role in neurogenic regulation of nerve root circulation.
Conclusion. Perivascular nerve plexuses around intraradicular GSK2126458 cell line microvessels suggest that the autonomic nerves play an important role in intraradicular circulation.”
“Study Design. In vivo experiments to examine physiologic consequences and in vitro tests to determine immediate biomechanical effects of anular injury by needle puncture.
Objective. To determine whether a relationship exists between induction of degenerative changes in anulus fibrosus (AF) and compromised disc biomechanical function according to injury size.
Summary of Background Data. Various studies in intervertebral disc mechanics, degeneration, and regeneration involve the creation of a defect in the anulus fibrosus (AF). However, the impact of the puncture, itself, on biomechanical function and disc health are not understood.
Methods.