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Türk Börü Ü, Kadir Sarıtaş Z, Görücü Özbek F, Bölük C, Acar H, Koç Y, Zeytin Demiral G. Alterations in the spinal cord, trigeminal nerve ganglion, and infraorbital nerve through inducing compression of the dorsal horn region at the upper cervical cord in trigeminal neuralgia. Brain Res 2024; 1832:148842. [PMID: 38447599 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) cases encountered frequently in daily practice indicate significant gaps that still need to be illuminated in the etiopathogenesis. In this study, a novel TN animal model was developed by compressing the dorsal horn (DH) of the upper cervical spinal cord. METHODS Eighteen rabbits were equally divided into three groups, namely control (CG), sham (SG), and spinal cord compression (SCC) groups. External pressure was applied to the left side at the C3 level in the SCC group. Dorsal hemilaminectomy was performed in the SG, and the operative side was closed without compression. No procedure was implemented in the control group. Samples from the SC, TG, and ION were taken after seven days. For the histochemical staining, damage and axons with myelin were scored using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Toluidine Blue, respectively. Immunohistochemistry, nuclei, apoptotic index, astrocyte activity, microglial labeling, and CD11b were evaluated. RESULTS Mechanical allodynia was observed on the ipsilateral side in the SCC group. In addition, both the TG and ION were partially damaged from SC compression, which resulted in significant histopathological changes and increased the expression of all markers in both the SG and SCC groups compared to that in the CG. There was a notable increase in tissue damage, an increase in the number of apoptotic nuclei, an increase in the apoptotic index, an indication of astrocytic gliosis, and an upsurge in microglial cells. Significant increases were noted in the SG group, whereas more pronounced significant increases were observed in the SCC group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed myelin damage, mitochondrial disruption, and increased anchoring particles. Similar changes were observed to a lesser extent in the contralateral spinal cord. CONCLUSION Ipsilateral trigeminal neuropathic pain was developed due to upper cervical SCC. The clinical finding is supported by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes. Thus, alterations in the DH due to compression of the upper cervical region should be considered as a potential cause of idiopathic TN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülkü Türk Börü
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Zülfükar Kadir Sarıtaş
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Fatma Görücü Özbek
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Cem Bölük
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Acar
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Koç
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Zeytin Demiral
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Dohle E, Beardall S, Chang A, Mena KPC, Jovanović L, Nath U, Lee KS, Smith AH, Thirunavukarasu AJ, Touzet AY, Norton EJ, Mowforth OD, Kotter MRN, Davies BM. Human spinal cord tissue is an underutilised resource in degenerative cervical myelopathy: findings from a systematic review of human autopsies. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:1121-1131. [PMID: 36820887 PMCID: PMC10140111 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. BACKGROUND Although degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent spinal cord condition worldwide, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate existing histological findings of DCM on cadaveric human spinal cord tissue and explore their consistency with animal models. METHODS MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched (CRD42021281462) for primary research reporting on histological findings of DCM in human cadaveric spinal cord tissue. Data was extracted using a piloted proforma. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Findings were compared to a systematic review of animal models (Ahkter et al. 2020 Front Neurosci 14). RESULTS The search yielded 4127 unique records. After abstract and full-text screening, 19 were included in the final analysis, reporting on 150 autopsies (71% male) with an average age at death of 67.3 years. All findings were based on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The most commonly reported grey matter findings included neuronal loss and cavity formation. The most commonly reported white matter finding was demyelination. Axon loss, gliosis, necrosis and Schwann cell proliferation were also reported. Findings were consistent amongst cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Cavitation was notably more prevalent in human autopsies compared to animal models. CONCLUSION Few human spinal cord tissue studies have been performed. Neuronal loss, demyelination and cavitation were common findings. Investigating the biological basis of DCM is a critical research priority. Human spinal cord specimen may be an underutilised but complimentary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmee Dohle
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Sophie Beardall
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aina Chang
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karla P Corral Mena
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Luka Jovanović
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Upamanyu Nath
- North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Keng Siang Lee
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Alvaro Yanez Touzet
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma Jane Norton
- Division of Anaesthesia, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Oliver D Mowforth
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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David G, Vallotton K, Hupp M, Curt A, Freund P, Seif M. Extent of cord pathology in the lumbosacral enlargement in non-traumatic versus traumatic spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:639-650. [PMID: 35018824 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compares remote neurodegenerative changes caudal to a cervical injury in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) (i.e., non-traumatic) and incomplete traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) patients, using MRI-based tissue area measurements and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Eighteen mild to moderate DCM patients with sensory impairments (mJOA score: 16.2±1.9), 14 incomplete tetraplegic tSCI patients (AIS C&D), and 20 healthy controls were recruited. All participants received DTI and T2*-weighted scans in the lumbosacral enlargement (caudal to injury) and at C2/C3 (rostral to injury). MRI readouts included DTI metrics in the white matter (WM) columns and cross-sectional WM and gray matter area. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc comparison (p<0.05) was used to assess group differences. In the lumbosacral enlargement, compared to DCM, tSCI patients exhibited decreased fractional anisotropy in the lateral (tSCI vs. DCM, -11.9%, p=0.007) and ventral WM column (-8.0%, p=0.021), and showed trend toward lower values in the dorsal column (-8.9%, p=0.068). At C2/C3, compared to controls, fractional anisotropy was lower in both groups in the dorsal (DCM vs. controls, -7.9%, p=0.024; tSCI vs. controls, -10.0%, p=0.007) and in the lateral column (DCM: -6.2%, p=0.039; tSCI: -13.3%, p<0.001), while tSCI patients had lower fractional anisotropy than DCM patients in the lateral column (-7.6%, p=0.029). WM areas were not different between patient groups but were lower compared to controls in the lumbosacral enlargement (DCM: -16.9%, p<0.001; tSCI, -10.5%, p=0.043) and at C2/C3 (DCM: -16.0%, p<0.001; tSCI: -18.1%, p<0.001). In conclusion, mild to moderate DCM and incomplete tSCI lead to similar degree of degeneration of the dorsal and lateral columns at C2/C3, but tSCI results in more widespread white matter damage in the lumbosacral enlargement. These remote changes are likely to contribute to the patients' impairment and recovery. DTI is a sensitive tool to assess remote pathological changes in DCM and tSCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely David
- University of Zurich, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 37734, Department of Systems Neuroscience, Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Kevin Vallotton
- University of Zurich, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Markus Hupp
- University of Zurich, 27217, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Armin Curt
- University of Zurich, 27217, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Patrick Freund
- University of Zurich, 27217, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,UCL Institute of Neurology, 61554, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,UCL Institute of Neurology, 61554, Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 27184, Department of Neurophysics, Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Maryam Seif
- University of Zurich, 27217, Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 27184, Leipzig, Department of Neurophysics, Germany;
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Tu J, Vargas Castillo J, Das A, Diwan AD. Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Insights into Its Pathobiology and Molecular Mechanisms. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061214. [PMID: 33804008 PMCID: PMC8001572 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), earlier referred to as cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), is the most common and serious neurological disorder in the elderly population caused by chronic progressive compression or irritation of the spinal cord in the neck. The clinical features of DCM include localised neck pain and functional impairment of motor function in the arms, fingers and hands. If left untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death. Despite recent advancements in understanding the DCM pathology, prognosis remains poor and little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. Moreover, there is scant evidence for the best treatment suitable for DCM patients. Decompressive surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for this pathology, although the decision of when to perform such a procedure remains challenging. Given the fact that the aged population in the world is continuously increasing, DCM is posing a formidable challenge that needs urgent attention. Here, in this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of DCM pathology, including epidemiology, diagnosis, natural history, pathophysiology, risk factors, molecular features and treatment options. In addition to describing different scoring and classification systems used by clinicians in diagnosing DCM, we also highlight how advanced imaging techniques are being used to study the disease process. Last but not the least, we discuss several molecular underpinnings of DCM aetiology, including the cells involved and the pathways and molecules that are hallmarks of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Tu
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
| | | | - Abhirup Das
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
- Spine Service, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashish D. Diwan
- Spine Labs, St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia; (J.T.); (A.D.D.)
- Spine Service, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
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Akter F, Yu X, Qin X, Yao S, Nikrouz P, Syed YA, Kotter M. The Pathophysiology of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Physiology of Recovery Following Decompression. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:138. [PMID: 32425740 PMCID: PMC7203415 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), also known as cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the leading cause of spinal cord compression in adults. The mainstay of treatment is surgical decompression, which leads to partial recovery of symptoms, however, long term prognosis of the condition remains poor. Despite advances in treatment methods, the underlying pathobiology is not well-known. A better understanding of the disease is therefore required for the development of treatments to improve outcomes following surgery. Objective: To systematically evaluate the pathophysiology of DCM and the mechanism underlying recovery following decompression. Methods: A total of 13,808 published articles were identified in our systematic search of electronic databases (PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE). A total of 51 studies investigating the secondary injury mechanisms of DCM or physiology of recovery in animal models of disease underwent comprehensive review. Results: Forty-seven studies addressed the pathophysiology of DCM. Majority of the studies demonstrated evidence of neuronal loss following spinal cord compression. A number of studies provided further details of structural changes in neurons such as myelin damage and axon degeneration. The mechanisms of injury to cells included direct apoptosis and increased inflammation. Only four papers investigated the pathobiological changes that occur in spinal cords following decompression. One study demonstrated evidence of axonal plasticity following decompressive surgery. Another study demonstrated ischaemic-reperfusion injury following decompression, however this phenomenon was worse when decompression was delayed. Conclusions: In preclinical studies, the pathophysiology of DCM has been poorly studied and a number of questions remain unanswered. The physiological changes seen in the decompressed spinal cord has not been widely investigated and it is paramount that researchers investigate the decompressed spinal cord further to enable the development of therapeutic tools, to enhance recovery following surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Akter
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xinming Yu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xingping Qin
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Parisa Nikrouz
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, Maidstone, United Kingdom
| | - Yasir Ahmed Syed
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Cathays, United Kingdom.,School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common spinal cord disease caused by chronic mechanical compression of the spinal cord. The mechanism by which mechanical stress results in spinal cord injury is poorly understood. The most common mechanisms involved in the pathobiology of DCM include apoptosis, inflammation, and vascular changes leading to loss of neurons, axonal degeneration, and myelin changes. However, the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms of DCM are unclear. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of DCM is required for the development of treatments to improve outcomes. This review highlights the mechanisms of injury and pathology in DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Akter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Ann McLaren Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, University of Cambridge, West Forvie Building, Forvie Site Box 213, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK.
| | - Mark Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Ann McLaren Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, University of Cambridge, West Forvie Building, Forvie Site Box 213, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
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Takahashi K, Ozawa H, Sakamoto N, Minegishi Y, Sato M, Itoi E. Influence of intramedullary stress on cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Spinal Cord 2013; 51:761-4. [PMID: 23999109 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2013.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 07/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional analysis. OBJECTIVE To examine whether intramedullary stress is related to the appearance of symptoms in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). SETTING Japan. METHODS Thirty-three consecutive patients with CSM and 30 consecutive patients without CSM were enrolled. A total of 99 disc levels from C3 to C6 in 33 patients with CSM were divided into two groups: 33 disc levels with high signal intensity (HSI) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance image (HSI group) and 66 disc levels without HSI (Non-HSI group). Ninety disc levels from C3 to C6 in patients without CSM were set up in a control group. Intramedullary stress value at each level was analyzed using the finite element method. Stress was compared among the three groups. A cutoff value of stress to present HSI was investigated from receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve. RESULTS In all the patients with CSM, the disc level with HSI presented the highest stress among the three disc levels evaluated. The stress was 3.16 ± 0.86 kPa (mean ± s.d.) in the HSI group, 1.81 ± 0.72 kPa in the Non-HSI group and 1.01 ± 0.37 kPa in the control group. The stress differed significantly among the three groups (P<0.0001). The qualified cutoff value derived from the ROC curve was 2.30 kPa (sensitivity 78.8%, specificity 91.9%). None of the disc levels in the control group exceeded 2.30 kPa. CONCLUSION HSI was strongly associated with intramedullary stress. Threshold of intramedullary stress to present HSI that related closely to the symptoms of myelopathy was revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Takahashi
- 1] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan [2] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Senboku Kumiai Hospital, Akita, Japan
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