An immunohistochemical study of mechanoreceptors in lumbar spine intervertebral discs

Analysis of Mechanoreceptors and Free Nerve Endings of the Transverse Carpal Ligament

Background: The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by sectioning the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) is not exempt from complications. Some nerve branches may be damaged by the incision. The aim of this study is to identify and map the TCL nerve endings, serving as a guide for sectioning this structure in a zone with less nerve ending density. Methods: Ten TCLs were obtained from fresh frozen cadavers. The TCLs were measured, divided into 3 equal bands (radial, central, and ulnar), and submitted to cryostat sectioning. The sections were subjected to immunofluorescence with the protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and confocal microscopy analysis. Results: All the specimens contained type I and type IV mechanoreceptors. Neural elements occupied 0.695 ± 0.056% of the ligament area. The density of the neural elements was greater in the radial, followed by the ulnar and central bands, with 0.730 ± 0.083%, 0.686 ± 0.009%, and 0.669 ± 0.031%, respectively. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the region with the least potential for neural element injury during TCL release is the central third near the transition with the ulnar third. When performed distally to proximally with a slight inclination from the radial to the ulnar, this release compromises the lowest nerve element density. Topographically, the proximal limit of the release is the distal wrist crease, while the distal limit is the intersection of Kaplan cardinal line and the axis of the third webspace.

Intervertebral disc degeneration and how it leads to low back pain

The purpose of this review was to evaluate data generated by animal models of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration published in the last decade and show how this has made invaluable contributions to the identification of molecular events occurring in and contributing to pain generation. IVD degeneration and associated spinal pain is a complex multifactorial process, its complexity poses difficulties in the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic target to focus on of many potential candidates in the formulation of strategies to alleviate pain perception and to effect disc repair and regeneration and the prevention of associated neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Nerve ingrowth and increased numbers of nociceptors and mechanoreceptors in the degenerate IVD are mechanically stimulated in the biomechanically incompetent abnormally loaded degenerate IVD leading to increased generation of low back pain. Maintenance of a healthy IVD is, thus, an important preventative measure that warrants further investigation to preclude the generation of low back pain. Recent studies with growth and differentiation factor 6 in IVD puncture and multi-level IVD degeneration models and a rat xenograft radiculopathy pain model have shown it has considerable potential in the prevention of further deterioration in degenerate IVDs, has regenerative properties that promote recovery of normal IVD architectural functional organization and inhibits the generation of inflammatory mediators that lead to disc degeneration and the generation of low back pain. Human clinical trials are warranted and eagerly anticipated with this compound to assess its efficacy in the treatment of IVD degeneration and the prevention of the generation of low back pain.

The role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has been the major contributor to chronic lower back pain (LBP). Abnormal apoptosis, senescence, and pyroptosis of IVD cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and infiltration of immune cells are the major molecular alternations during IVDD. Changes at tissue level frequently occur at advanced IVD tissue. Ectopic ingrowth of nerves within inner annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue has been considered as the primary cause for LBP. Innervation at IVD tissue mainly included sensory and sympathetic nerves, and many markers for these two types of nerves have been detected since 1940. In fact, in osteoarthritis (OA), beyond pain transmission, the direct regulation of neuropeptides on functions of chondrocytes have attracted researchers' great attention recently. Many physical and pathological similarities between joint and IVD have shed us the light on the neurogenic mechanism involved in IVDD. Here, an overview of the advances in the nervous system within IVD tissue will be performed, with a discussion on in the role of nerve fibers and their neurotransmitters in regulating IVDD. We hope this review can attract more research interest to address neuromodulation and IVDD itself, which will enhance our understanding of the contribution of neuromodulation to the structural changes within IVD tissue and inflammatory responses and will help identify novel therapeutic targets and enable the effective treatment of IVDD disease.

Innervation of the Human Intervertebral Disc: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

Back pain is an elusive symptom complicated by a variety of possible causes, precipitating and maintaining factors, and consequences. Notably, the underlying pathology remains unknown in a significant number of cases. Changes to the intervertebral disc (IVD) have been associated with back pain, leading many to postulate that the IVD may be a direct source of pain, typically referred to as discogenic back pain. Yet despite decades of research into the neuroanatomy of the IVD, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to the distribution and function of neural elements within the tissue. The current scoping review provides a comprehensive systematic overview of studies that document the topography, morphology, and immunoreactivity of neural elements within the IVD in humans.

METHOD

Articles were retrieved from six separate databases in a three-step systematic search and were independently evaluated by two reviewers.

RESULTS

Three categories of neural elements were described within the IVD: perivascular nerves, sensory nerves independent of blood vessels, and mechanoreceptors. Nerves were consistently localized within the outer layers of the annulus fibrosus. Neural ingrowth into the inner annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus was found to occur only in degenerative and disease states.

CONCLUSION

While the pattern of innervation within the IVD is clear, the specific topographic arrangement and function of neural elements in the context of back pain remains unclear.

Anterior High-Intensity Zone in Lumbar Discs: Prevalence and Association with Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVES

To explore the features of high-intensity zone (HIZ) in anterior annulus fibrosus and assess the association of anterior HIZ with low back pain (LBP).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS

A retrospective study of 5,940 discs in 1,188 individuals was conducted.

METHODS

Subjects' information and LBP symptoms confirmed by an orthopedic surgeon were acquired from the medical record. Magnetic resonance (MR) image reading and analysis were performed by two experienced blinded radiologists.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty individuals exhibited 355 anterior HIZs in 355 discs. The prevalence was 23.57%; 88.45% were located in the inferior part of the annulus fibrosus. It frequently occurred in the middle and upper segments of lumbar spine, especially at L3/4 (45.63%). Of the 355 anterior HIZs, only 79 (22.25%) were consecutive-slides HIZ. Round type (63.38%) was the most common shape of anterior HIZs. The highest prevalence was found in individuals aged 60-69 years. LBP was confirmed in 141 anterior-HIZ individuals. The incidence of LBP in anterior-HIZ individuals was significantly higher than in non-HIZ subjects (50.36% vs 35.24%, χ2 = 18.314, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior HIZ is a lower-prevalence, age-related sign on lumbar MR images. The spatial distribution of anterior HIZ can be distinguished from posterior HIZ. The number of consecutive anterior HIZ slides might suggest fewer Dallas grade 4 anterior annular disruptions in this sample. Anterior HIZ was correlated with LBP.

Disc degeneration induces a mechano-sensitization of disc afferent nerve fibers that associates with low back pain

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate mechano-sensitivity at the afferent nerve fibers projecting to degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) and nociceptive behaviour in a rat model of low back pain (LBP).

DESIGN

Animal model with LBP was established by lumbar 4/5 IVD puncture and nucleus pulposus aspiration. In vivo single nerve recordings (n = 121) were introduced to measure discharge frequency at the afferent nerve fiber innervating the IVD during mechanical stimulations (von Frey filament or intradiscal pressure). Nerve growth factor (NGF) expression levels in the IVD (n = 20) were assessed by Western blot. LBP-related behaviour (n = 22) was assessed by measuring changes in rearing, mechanical paw-withdrawal threshold, and dynamic weight bearing in a freely walking rat. Inhibitory effect of morphine on the neuronal excitability (n = 19) and painful behaviour (n = 28) was also assessed.

RESULTS

Compared to those with sham or naïve IVD, animal group with degenerated IVD displayed the sensitized neuronal responses and painful behaviour, with hyperexcitability of the afferent nerve fibers in any range of mechanical stimulations (von Frey filament stimulation; 1, 2, and 26 g; intradiscal pressure, 1,500-3,000 mm Hg), strong upregulation of NGF (200-250 % increase), and LBP-like behaviour such as failure of rearing, front limbs-dependent walking pattern, and hypersensitivity in hind-paws. However, the neuronal hyperexcitability and pain behaviour were attenuated after local (30 μM) or systemic (3 mg kg^-1) morphine administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that enhanced mechano-sensitivity at the afferent nerve fiber innervating degenerated IVD is deeply correlated with LBP development, which supports the hypothesis that hyperexcited responses at the nerve fibers represent a decisive source of LBP.

Study of the Nerve Endings and Mechanoreceptors of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee

PURPOSE

To describe the morphology and distribution of the anterolateral ligament of the knee (ALL) nerve endings, aiming to understand the interaction between the proprioceptive system and knee mechanics.

METHODS

Twenty ALLs were obtained from fresh frozen cadavers. The ligaments were measured, weighed, and cut. Sections (10 μm) were prepared in hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides to analyze tissue integrity, and 50-μm sections were subjected to immunofluorescence with the protein gene product 9.5 as primary antibody and Alexa Fluor 488 as secondary antibody, followed by microscopic analysis.

RESULTS

The ALL was identified in 100% of the dissections, exhibiting a mean (± standard deviation) length of 4.0 ± 0.4 cm, a mean width of 5.5 ± 0.8 mm, and a mean weight of 0.9 ± 0.2 g. The histological sections in hematoxylin and eosin showed dense, well-organized collagen and the presence of vascular tissue. All the specimens analyzed contained type I (Ruffini-like) mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings (type IV), varying from parallel to intertwined fibers. Unclassified nerve endings with different irregular shapes were also found. The neural elements occupied 0.6% ± 0.3% of the ligament area, and most were observed near the origin of ALL insertions.

CONCLUSION

The ALL exhibits a peripheral nerve structure, primarily type I and IV mechanoreceptors. These findings suggest that the ALL is important for the proprioception and anterolateral stabilization of the knee.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It is important to understand ALL innervation and infer how an injury could compromise the proprioceptive role of the lateral compartment, as the ligaments contribute dynamically to stability through proprioceptive control of muscle forces. The findings confirm that the ALL is highly innervated by mechanoreceptors and may have a proprioceptive role in conjunction with the lateral collateral ligament in the lateral region of the knee.

Insight into neural mechanisms underlying discogenic back pain

Back pain is a common clinical symptom. Degeneration of intervertebral discs is one of the most important factors leading to back pain, namely, discogenic back pain. However, at present, the understanding of lumbar intervertebral discs causing back pain is confined to biomechanical and histological studies. The neuropathological mechanism related to discogenic back pain is still not well understood. Many studies have found that as an intervertebral disc degenerates, the peripheral nerve tissues have corresponding structural reorganization, and a series of nerve cells become involved in progression of discogenic back pain. Therefore, study of neural mechanisms that are involved in progression of discogenic back pain will provide additional assistance for treatment of its symptoms. We review the anatomical structure of intervertebral discs and the related neural mechanisms involved in discogenic back pain. We also discuss the current view of neural mechanisms underlying discogenic back pain.

The effectiveness of anterior cervical decompression and fusion for the relief of dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis: a multicentre prospective cohort study

AIMS

Cervical spondylosis is often accompanied by dizziness. It has recently been shown that the ingrowth of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs may be related to cervicogenic dizziness. In order to evaluate whether cervicogenic dizziness stems from the diseased cervical disc, we performed a prospective cohort study to assess the effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion on the relief of dizziness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 145 patients with cervical spondylosis and dizziness, 116 underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion and 29 underwent conservative treatment. All were followed up for one year. The primary outcomes were measures of the intensity and frequency of dizziness. Secondary outcomes were changes in the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and a visual analogue scale score for neck pain.

RESULTS

There were significantly lower scores for the intensity and frequency of dizziness in the surgical group compared with the conservative group at different time points during the one-year follow-up period (p = 0.001). There was a significant improvement in mJOA scores in the surgical group.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that anterior cervical surgery can relieve dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis and that dizziness is an accompanying manifestation of cervical spondylosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:81-7.

Cervical Vertigo: Historical Reviews and Advances

Vertigo is one of the most common presentations in adult patients. Among the various causes of vertigo, so-called cervical vertigo is still a controversial entity. Cervical vertigo was first thought to be due to abnormal input from cervical sympathetic nerves based on the work of Barré and Liéou in 1928. Later studies found that cerebral blood flow is not influenced by sympathetic stimulation. Ryan and Cope in 1955 proposed that abnormal sensory information from the damaged joint receptors of upper cervical regions may be related to pathologies of vertigo of cervical origin. Further studies found that cervical vertigo seems to originate from diseased cervical intervertebral discs. Recent research found that the ingrowth of a large number of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs may be related to vertigo of cervical origin. Abnormal neck proprioceptive input integrated from the signals of Ruffini corpuscles in diseased cervical discs and muscle spindles in tense neck muscles secondary to neck pain is transmitted to the central nervous system and leads to a sensory mismatch with vestibular and other sensory information, resulting in a subjective feeling of vertigo and unsteadiness. Further studies are needed to illustrate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of cervical vertigo and to better understand and manage this perplexing entity.

Does stabilization of the degenerative lumbar spine itself produce multifidus atrophy?

The effect of stabilization of the degenerative segment on changes in the pattern of paraspinal muscle activity was investigated using a previously developed musculoskeletal model. Muscle activity change depending on L4-L5 segment stabilization with and without taking into account the presence of multifidus atrophy according to direct invasion of the back muscle during surgery (MADIBM) was analysed in erect standing and 20° flexed postures. For the stabilization of the degenerative segment, a fusion or non-fusion stabilization with a pedicle-based dynamic stabilization system (PBDS) was applied. During erect standing, fusion generated a 12% reduction in the total multifidus muscle force, while its reduction was 6.6% with PBDS application. The presence of MADIBM produced 23.0% and 22.5% reductions in fusion and with PBDS application, respectively. During 20° flexion, 10.5% and 9.3% reductions were produced for fusion and PBDS application, respectively, and the corresponding values were 23.4% and 23.0%, respectively, in the presence of MADIBM. Increased facet joint contact forces were produced at the non-stabilized levels after stabilization while in erect standing posture. Alterations in muscle activity, which could be regarded as adaptions to altered spinal stability, may generate unexpected secondary problems in the spine.

Mechanoreceptors in Diseased Cervical Intervertebral Disc and Vertigo

STUDY DESIGN

We collected the samples of cervical intervertebral discs from patients with vertigo to examine the distribution and types of mechanoreceptors in diseased cervical disc.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether mechanoreceptors are distributed more abundantly in cervical discs from patients with cervical spondylosis, and whether they are related to vertigo.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous limited studies have found that normal cervical intervertebral discs are supplied with mechanoreceptors that have been considered responsible for proprioceptive functions. Several clinical studies have indicated that the patients with cervical spondylosis manifested significantly impaired postural control and subjective balance disturbance.

METHODS

We collected 77 samples of cervical discs from 62 cervical spondylosis patients without vertigo, 61 samples from 54 patients with vertigo, and 40 control samples from 8 cadaveric donors to investigate distribution of mechanoreceptors containing neurofilament (NF200) and S-100 protein immunoreactive nerve endings.

RESULTS

The immunohistochemical investigation revealed that the most frequently encountered mechanoreceptors were the Ruffini corpuscles in all groups of cervical disc samples. They were obviously increased in the number and deeply ingrown into inner annulus fibrosus and even into nucleus pulposus in the diseased cervical discs from patients with vertigo in comparison with the discs from patients without vertigo and control discs. Only three Golgi endings were seen in the three samples from patients with vertigo. No Pacinian corpuscles were found in any samples of cervical discs.

CONCLUSION

The diseased cervical discs from patients with vertigo had more abundant distribution of Ruffini corpuscles than other discs. A positive association between the increased number and ingrowth of Ruffini corpuscles in the diseased cervical disc and the incidence of vertigo in the patients with cervical spondylosis was found, which may indicate a key role of Ruffini corpuscles in the pathogenesis of vertigo of cervical origin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.

Ageing in the musculoskeletal system

The extent of ageing in the musculoskeletal system during the life course affects the quality and length of life. Loss of bone, degraded articular cartilage, and degenerate, narrowed intervertebral discs are primary features of an ageing skeleton, and together they contribute to pain and loss of mobility. This review covers the cellular constituents that make up some key components of the musculoskeletal system and summarizes discussion from the 2015 Aarhus Regenerative Orthopaedic Symposium (AROS) (Regeneration in the Ageing Population) about how each particular cell type alters within the ageing skeletal microenvironment.

Efficacy of coblation annuloplasty in discogenic low back pain: a prospective observational study

In degenerative disc, the innervated outer annulus is confirmed to the major origin resulted in discogenic pain. To alleviate the discogenic pain, annuloplasty with electrothermal technology was proved to be effective, which mainly involves the thermal heating of the annulus to denature collagen fibers and denervate posterior annular nerve fibers. However, little is known that efficacy of annuloplasty with coblation technology in treating discogenic pain through directly interrupting nerves in outer annulus.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of coblation annuloplasty for the treatment of discogenic low back pain.In a clinical prospective observational study, 17 consecutive patients with discogenic low back pain underwent coblation annuloplasty under local anesthesia. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, patient responses stating significant (≥50%) pain relief, and modified MacNab criteria were adopted to evaluate the pain intensity, degree of pain relief, and functional status after 6 months of follow-up.The preoperative pain VAS score was 6.5 ± 0.8(95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1-6.9) and the pain VAS score decreased to 2.9 ± 1.6 (95% CI 2.1-3.8), 2.9 ± 1.7 (95% CI 2.1-3.8), 3.2 ± 1.6 (95% CI 2.4-4.1), 3.2 ± 1.7 (95% CI 2.4-4.2) at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 month postoperatively, respectively. 12 (70.6%), 11 (64.7%), 10 (58.8%) and 10 (58.8%) of patients reported significant pain relief at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the numbers of patients with "excellent" or "good" ratings were 13 (76.5%), 11 (64.7%), and 10 (58.8%) according to the modified MacNab criteria. No serious complications were observed.The finds show that coblation annuloplasty is an effective, safe, and less uncomfortable procedure in managing discogenic low back pain.

Comparison of mechanoreceptor quantities in hip joints of developmental dysplasia of the hip patients with normal hips

BACKGROUND

Joint mechanoreceptors are afferent neural elements involved in pain sensation and tactile sense.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We aimed to detect the free nerve endings (FNE) and other types of mechanoreceptors and to compare their quantities in human hip joint capsule (HJC) and ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) of babies with developmantal dysplasia of hip (DDH) and intrauterine ex foetuses (control group) to find out whether there is an increase in the amount of mechanoreceptors in hip joint due to the occured anatomical chages.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We took 15 LCF and HJC biopsies from 15 patients undergoing hip surgery for DDH, and 15 HJC and LCFs from intrauterine ex fetuses. Total of 60 specimens were investigated. The mean age of the babies was 10.3 months (6-18 months) at the time of surgery. Full thickness 1 × 1 cm HJC and LCF portions were taken as biopsy specimens. An immunohistochemical technique was performed for neurogenic protein S-100 and examined under light microscopy.

RESULTS

FNEs were detected in all four different tissues (type IVa). Other types of mechanoreceptors (Type I-II and III) were not detected in any of the specimens. The positive rates of FNE staining in the control group were % 2.60 ± 1.24 for the LCF and % 2.67 ± 1.11 for the HJC respectively and FNE staining in the DDH group were found to be % 2.67 ± 1.11 for the LCF and % 2.73 ± 1.16 for the HJC. We did not find a statistically significant difference in number of FNEs between the specimens of the DDH group and the control group (p>0.05), also there was no statistically significant difference in number of FNEs between the HJC and LCF within each group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the number of FNEs does not increase in HJC and LCF of DDH patients even though LCF hypertrophy and capsular elongation occurs.

Mechanisms of intervertebral disk degeneration/injury and pain: a review

Degeneration of the intervertebral disk and its treatments are currently intensely investigated topics. Back pain is a condition whose chronic and debilitating nature combined with its prevalence make it a major health issue of substantial socioeconomic importance. Although researchers, and even sometimes clinicians, focus on the degenerated disk as the problem, to most patients, pain is the factor that limits their function and impacts their well-being. The purpose of this review is to delineate the changes associated with disk degeneration and to outline mechanisms by which they could be the source of back pain. Although the healthy disk is only innervated in the external layer of its annulus fibrosus, adjacent structures are plentiful with nociceptive receptors. Stimulation of such structures as a consequence of processes initiated by disk degeneration is explored. The concept of discogenic pain and possible mechanisms such as neoinnervation and solute transport are discussed. Finally, how such pain mechanisms may relate to current and proposed treatment strategies is discussed.