Involvement of Connections Between the Brainstem and the Sympathetic Ganglia in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

The central connections between the superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk and the brainstem were investigated in five rats by trans-synaptic transport of lectin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase. After injection of this tracer into the superior cervical ganglion, labelled cells were seen in both the ventral and dorsal parts of the medullary reticular formation. The neurons were found mainly on the same side as the injection site. Besides retrograde labelling, there was an antegrade termination within the nucleus of the solitary tract. We hypothesise that a nervous mechanism is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, and that a supraspinal input to the sympathetic ganglia might influence this mechanism.     

A spinal transcommissural connection for symmetrical sympathetic reflex response. Intra-axonal tracing study in the rat.

Wheatgerm agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase was injected into the ganglion cervicale superior of the sympathetic trunk of seven adult rats. Labelled neurons were found in the ipsilateral anterior commissural nucleus of the spinal cord at the C1 level. Transcommissural crossing of labelled fibres and symmetrical labelling of neurons in the contralateral nucleus were also found. Labelled fibres could then be followed contralaterally into the superior cervical ganglion where labelled neurons were also found.     

Surgical anatomy of the cervical sympathetic trunk during anterolateral approach to cervical spine

The sympathetic trunk is sometimes damaged during the anterior and anterolateral approach to the cervical spine, resulting in Horner’s syndrome. No quantitative regional anatomy in fresh human cadavers describing the course and location of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) and its relation to the longus colli muscle (LCM) is available in the literature. The aims of this study are to clearly delineate the surgical anatomy and the anatomical variations of CST with respect to the structures around it and to develop a safer surgical method that will diminish the potential risk of CST injury. In this study, 30 cadavers from the Department of Forensic Medicine were dissected to observe the surgical anatomy of the CST. The cadavers used in this study were fresh cadavers chosen at 12–24 h postmortem. The levels of superior and intermediate ganglions of cervical sympathetic chain were determined. The distance of the sympathetic trunk from the medial border of LCM at C6, the diameter of the CST at C6 and the length and width of the superior and intermediate (middle) cervical ganglion were measured. Cervical sympathetic chain is located posteromedial to carotid sheath and just anterior to the longus muscles. It extends longitudinally from the longus capitis to the longus colli over the muscles and under the prevertebral fascia. The average distance between the CST and medial border of the LCM at C6 is 11.6 ± 1.6 mm. The average diameter of the CST at C6 is 3.3 ± 0.6 mm. Superior ganglion of CSC in all dissections was located at the level of C4 vertebra. The length and width of the superior cervical ganglion were 12.5 ± 1.5 and 5.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The location of the intermediate (middle) ganglion of CST showed some variations. The length and width of the middle cervical ganglion were 10.5 ± 1.3 and 6.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The CST’s are at high risk when the LC muscle is cut transversely, or when dissection of the prevertebral fascia is performed. Awareness of the CST’s regional anatomy may help the surgeon to identify and preserve it during anterior cervical surgeries.     

刺激颈交感神经对家兔心脏功能活动变化的影响

目的 探讨颈椎性类冠心病时颈交感神经受累对心脏功能的影响。方法 健康家兔30只，显露双侧颈上、颈下交感神经节及心下神经，对各部分逐一给以电刺激，采用生理多导仪分别记录刺激后不同时间点的心电图ST段(Electroccardiogram-ST,ECG-ST)、左心室内压(Left Ventricle Pressure,LVP)、左心室内压最大上升速率(Developed pressure/Developed time max,Dp/Dt max)的变化情况。结果 刺激颈上交感节后ECG-ST、LVP、Dp／Dt max均无变化；刺激颈下交感节和心下神经后LVP、Dp/Dt max值明显下降，ECG出现明显的ST-T改变。结论 下位颈椎病变可能更易刺激交感神经而出现心肌缺血性改变，并可影响心肌收缩性能。     

前路“三维旋转复位”治疗下颈椎骨折脱位

目的探讨下颈椎脱位前路手术复位的安全性和有效性。方法2004～2007年,34例下颈椎不稳定骨折脱位患者,行前路减压、复位及植骨钛板固定的手术。单侧关节突交锁13例,双侧21例。＂三维旋转复位＂法：上椎体冠状面旋转,复位侧的椎小关节分离;椎体间撑开时使上椎体矢状面前曲至上下关节突分离到＂尖对尖＂的位置;上位椎体水平面旋转向后上关节突绕过下关节突,完成复位。双侧脱位以相对方法复位。结果32例（94.1%）满意复位,2例需要后路手术。随访时间平均38.4个月,均牢固骨性融合。14例不完全性损伤者脊髓功能均获不同程度改善,ASIA残损分级平均提高1～2级;12例脊髓完全性损伤者临床症状,如疼痛、麻木等得到缓解,其中4例ASIA残损分级平均提高1～2级;其余脊髓功能无恢复,ASIA残损分级无变化。结论＂三维旋转复位＂可以减少复位时脊髓实际牵拉距离,提高复位的安全性;急诊前路手术可以获得满意的复位和即刻稳定性的重建。     

前庭诱发肌源电位评价颈性眩晕与前庭功能的相关性

目的:应用前庭诱发肌源电位评价颈性眩晕与前庭功能的关系,分析颈性眩晕与前庭功能障碍之间的相关性,讨论颈性眩晕发病的相关因素,指导颈性眩晕患者的临床治疗.方法:以2019年8月至2020年7月在山西医科大学第二医院门诊以颈性眩晕为主诉的75例患者作为研究对象设定为患病组,同时选择医院内60例无颈椎及前庭相关疾病者设定为非...     

Morphometric analysis of the seventh cervical vertebra for pedicle screw insertion

Background:Anatomy of the pedicles of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) at the cervicothoracic junction is different from other cervical vertebrae. Fixation of C7 is required during cervical vertebra and upper thoracic injuries in clinical practice. However, the typical pedicle screw insertion methods may have problems in clinical practice based on the anatomical features of C7. This study is to explore a new pedicle screw insertion technique for C7 and to provide anatomical and radiographic basis for clinical application.Results:Gross and imaging observations revealed that pedicle projection was on the line (line G) between point A (the intersection point of the superior margin of the lamina of C7 and the medial margin of the superior articular process) and point B (the intersection point of the lateral margin of the inferior articular process and the transverse process) and located at the middle 1/3 and outer 1/3 segments of the line (point L[also it is the screw entry points (Eps)]. No significant difference in the measurements on the left and right sides were observed (P > 0.05). No penetration of the 12 screws through pedicle was observed.Conclusion:The junction site of the middle 1/3 and outer 1/3 segments of line G are the projection points of C7 pedicles on the lateral mass. The junction site anatomical position was simply and easy to be controlled during surgery, simultaneously avoided uncertainty of other methods. This study provides a new method for determining an Ep for C7 pedicle screw insertion.     

经颅多普勒超声转颈试验在颈性眩晕诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨经颅多普勒超声（transcranial Doppler sonography,TCD）转颈试验在颈性眩晕诊断中的价值。方法选择头晕患者133例,其中颈性眩晕（观察组）67例,其他眩晕（对照组）66例。所有患者均行颈椎X线、MRI和椎动脉磁共振血管造影术以及TCD常规检查和TCD转颈试验。结果 2组患者的颈部外伤病史、骨质增生、颈椎曲度异常、颈椎不稳、椎间盘突出的异常百分比无显著差异,颈痛和磁共振血管造影术椎动脉受压百分比差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。2组患者的常规TCD检测结果差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。观察组患者TCD转颈试验阳性率为80.60%（54/67）,对照组为4.55%（3/66）,2组间差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论 TCD转颈试验有助于颈性眩晕的诊断,可作为颈性眩晕诊断的一个客观指标。     

一种新型病证相结合肝阳上亢证颈性眩晕大鼠模型的制备方法

目的：建立一种简单、可靠的符合肝阳上亢证的颈性眩晕大鼠模型，同时建立一种简便可行的反应动物眩晕程度的评价方法。方法：选用SPF级雄性SD大鼠24只，8周龄，体重280~320 g，随机进行分组（每组6只），使用局部注射聚桂醇注射液（硬化剂）与附子汤灌胃相结合的方法制备肝阳上亢证颈性眩晕大鼠模型（联合造模组），与单用局部注射硬化剂的大鼠（硬化剂组）、单用附子汤灌胃的大鼠（附子汤组）、空白对照组进行对照，以大鼠通过一段玻璃管的时间（跑管时间）反应大鼠的眩晕程度，分别于造模前、造模后第2周、造模后第3周进行观测。结果：附子汤组与空白对照组跑管时间比较差异无统计学意义；联合造模组与硬化剂组跑管时间比较差异无统计学意义；硬化剂组与联合造模组跑管时间延长，不仅与对照组差异有统计学意义（P<0.05），且与附子汤组的差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）。造模后的跑管时间较造模前相比，差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）；比较造模后2、3周的跑管时间，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：该造模方法能有效制成肝阳上亢证颈性眩晕大鼠模型，且跑管时间能在一定程度上反映大鼠的眩晕程度，为今后颈性眩晕的动物研究提供了一种简便可行的动物模型与眩晕的检测方法。     

Endovascular treatment with tirofiban during the acute stage of cervical spinal cord infarction due to vertebral artery dissection

Context: Cervical spinal cord infarction is a rare and severe complication of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). We report a case of VAD in an acute stage followed by cervical spinal cord infarction that was treated using direct endovascular tirofiban infusion via digital subtraction angiography (DSA) monitoring.

Findings: A 48-year-old man presented with vertigo, neck pain, numbness and weakness in four limbs with subsequent cardiac and respiratory arrest. Neurological examination revealed hypoesthesia below the neck with grade one myodynamia on the right side of the limbs and zero on the left side. The diagnosis of VAD-related cervical spinal infarction was confirmed using DSA imaging and cervical vertebra magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient received timely treatment with endovascular tirofiban infusion and achieved good outcome without any sequelae.

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment with tirofiban may be a selective choice for cervical spinal cord infarction due to VAD in acute stage and warrants further study.     

后路有限固定的前后路联合治疗陈旧性下颈椎交锁脱位

目的：探讨颈椎Ⅰ期前后路联合360°手术治疗难复性小关节交锁的陈旧性下颈椎脱位的临床疗效和应用价值。方法：自2004年3月至2010年8月,18例陈旧性下颈椎脱位患者,经三维CT检查16例有双侧关节突交锁,2例单侧关节突交锁;MRI检查发现,18例患者均有椎间盘损伤,其中2例为椎间盘突出,9例为椎间盘破裂,7例椎体骨折伴椎间盘破裂。所有患者均进行前后路联合360°手术。术后定期复查X线及CT以观察损伤节段的稳定性和融合率,以Frankel分级判定脊髓功能的恢复情况。结果：18例患者均获得随访,时间6～12个月,平均8.6个月。颈椎脱位均完全复位,无植骨不融合。未出现内固定断裂、松动及脱落,无血管、神经、食道损伤等并发症。神经损伤无加重,Frankel分级平均提高1.2级。结论：颈椎Ⅰ期前后路联合360°手术治疗难复性小关节交锁的陈旧性下颈椎脱位,可以完全恢复颈椎序列,解除颈髓压迫,损伤节段术后获得即刻稳定,不易造成脊髓损伤加重,可为脊髓功能恢复创造有利条件。     

推拿对颈性眩晕的椎动脉形态学及血流速的影响

目的：通过观察疗前疗后颈性眩晕患者椎动脉血流速以及椎动脉形态学改变情况,探讨推拿对颈性眩晕的治疗效果。方法：颈性眩晕患者45例,男27例,女18例;年龄25～60岁,平均41．6岁;病程2周-5年。采用TCD检测椎动脉血流速,3D—CTA检查椎动脉形态学作为观察指标。根据其形态学改变不同节段定位,采用三部推拿法观察对椎动脉血流速及形态学的影响。结果：45例推拿前后眩晕主症评分明显改善,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．001）;血流减慢患者及血流增快患者推拿前后Vm比较,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。部分患者椎动脉形态学有改变。结论：推拿对颈性眩晕椎动脉形态学改变所致的血流速异常有双向调节作用,并能使部分血管形态发生逆转性改变。     

Sagittal geometry of the middle and lower cervical endplates

Purpose

Construct subsidence is a relatively common complication following anterior cervical fusion. Its occurrence has been revealed to be closely related to endplate-implant contact interface. But current literature focusing on the anatomy of cervical endplate is very scarce. The purpose of this morphometric study was to analyse the sagittal geometry, especially the concavity and slope, of vertebral endplates from C3 to C7 by employing data from CT scans.

Methods

Reformatted CT scans of 97 individuals were analyzed and endplate concavity depth, endplate concavity apex location, as well as endplate slope were measured in midsagittal plane. Those specific parameters were compared among different age and gender groups. Meanwhile, comparison between superior and inferior endplate of each vertebra was also performed.

Results

Age and gender did not influence endplate concavity depth, endplate concavity apex location, or endplate slope significantly (P > 0.05). Endplate concavity depths of superior endplates (range 0.9–1.2 mm) were significantly smaller than those of inferior endplates (range 2.1–2.7 mm). Endplate concavity apex was always located in the posterior half of the endplate, with the superior one ranged from 56 to 67 % and the inferior one 52 to 57 %. Average endplate slopes of superior endplates were between 4.5° and 9.0°, and average inferior endplate slopes ranged from 4.5° to 7.5°. Among all measured segments, C5 had the largest endplate slope values, while C7 the least.

Conclusions

Superior endplate is more flat than its inferior counterpart in middle and lower cervical spine, and the concavity apex is always located in the posterior half of the endplate. Endplate slope is correlated with cervical curvature, greater slope implying more significant lordosis. These sagittal endplate geometrical parameters should be taken into consideration when investigating implant subsidence following anterior cervical fusion.     

多节段脊髓型颈椎病术前颈椎曲度对椎管扩大椎板成形术术后神经功能恢复影响

目的探讨多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者术前颈椎曲度与椎管扩大椎板成形术术后神经功能之间的相关性。方法选取2013年1月—2015年12月在第二军医大学附属长征医院实施椎管扩大椎板成形术的70例多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者作为研究对象进行回顾性分析。按照患者术前X线片中的颈椎曲度将患者分为曲度正常组(A组)、曲度变直组(B组)、轻度曲度后凸组(C组),比较3组患者术后各节段脊髓后移距离、神经功能恢复率,并探讨术前颈椎曲度、术后脊髓后移距离与神经功能恢复率之间的相关性。结果 3组患者术后各节段脊髓后移距离组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。3组患者术前、术后的组间日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、神经功能恢复率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);与术前相比,术后3组患者的JOA评分均明显增高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。颈椎曲度与神经功能恢复率、脊髓后移距离之间无相关性。结论术前颈椎曲度变直及轻度后凸的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者在实施椎管扩大椎板成形术后脊髓神经功能均可改善,曲度变直及轻度后凸可能不再是多节段脊髓型颈椎病行椎管扩大椎板成形术的禁忌证。     

Results of percutaneous cervical vertebroplasty using an anterolateral approach for cervical spine tumors

Objective:The aim of this study was to report the results of percutaneous vertebroplasty in managing symptomatic osteolytic cervical spine tumors.Methods:This study comprised a retrospective examination of patients who received percutaneous vertebroplasty between 2008 and 2020 for the treatment of tumor-induced symptomatic cervical vertebra involvement. The study summarized the demographics, vertebral levels, pain control rates, clinical results, and complications of percutaneous vertebroplasty using an anterolateral approach.Results:The study sample consisted of 6 female and 2 male patients aged between 20 and 56 (mean = 41.37) years. Tumors were located at C2 in 6 cases, at C3 in 1 case, and at C5 in another. The mean volume of poly (methyl methacrylate) injected was 1.5 mL (range: 1-2 mL). Biopsy results showed the presence of metastasis in 5 cases and plasmacytoma in 3. No postoperative complications or mortality were observed after the procedure. Preoperative mean 7.75 visual analog scale score decreased to 2.62. Pain control was reported to be 66.2%.Conclusion:Anterolateral cervical vertebroplasty seems to be a safe, effective, and helpful therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cervical spine tumors. It reduces the risk of infection compared to the transoral method.Level of Evidence:Level IV, Therapeutic Study     

经皮激光椎间盘减压术治疗颈性眩晕

目的探讨经皮激光间盘减压术治疗颈性眩晕的疗效及机制。方法2000年10月至2004年10月,我们使用Nd：YAG激光治疗机（波长1064nm）,对42例颈性眩晕患者进行了经皮激光间盘减压术,术后进行2个月以上随访,观察患者眩晕的改善情况。结果患者均获得随访,随访时间2—36个月,平均7．5个月。术后2个月时,28例眩晕消失（67％）,6例明显改善（14％）,无效者8例（19％）,优良率为81％,无神经损害、感染等并发症发生。结论经皮激光椎间盘减压术可使椎间盘内压降低,加之局部直接热疗,从而消除椎动脉痉挛,对治疗颈性眩晕有明显疗效。     

颈髓挥鞭样损伤的回顾性研究

目的通过对临床资料的回顾性分析,探讨颈髓挥鞭样损伤病例手术的必要性。方法根据治疗方式和损伤后MR I所示脊髓受压程度的不同,将2004年4月～2006年4月收治的36例过伸性颈椎损伤患者分成3组：非手术治疗组（8例）、受压不明显者手术组（10例）、受压明显者手术组（18例）;比较3组间治疗前后的ASIA评分及Frankel分级改变。结果所有患者获得12～24个月随访,神经功能行ASIA评分及Frankel分级,手术组均高于非手术治疗组（P〈0.05）。结论过伸性颈脊髓损伤尽早手术减压是最大限度恢复神经功能的关键。凡存在明显神经功能障碍、MR I提示有颈髓损伤,无论是否有明显脊髓受压者都应早期手术。手术可避免因颈椎管高压和颈椎不稳造成的继发性脊髓损伤,保证其远期疗效。     

大鼠交感节后神经元间钙调蛋白的差异性表达及其意义

目的 观察大鼠不同节段交感节后神经元的钙调蛋白(CaM)的表达,探讨其与交感神经元电生理特征的关系.方法 SD大鼠,采集交感神经链中的颈上神经节,颈胸神经节及腹腔神经节,采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和免疫组织化学在mRNA和蛋白质水平分别观察并比较神经元钙调蛋白的表达.结果 钙调蛋白在所选取的3个节段神经元中均有表达,颈上神经节组、颈胸神经节组及腹腔神经节组在mRNA水平的相对表达强度比值分别为1.191 50±0.05009、1.18270±0.053 93、1.03090±0.06624,在蛋白质水平的相对表达强度分别为63.388 60±3.309 38、61.435 70±2.87909、48.77490±3.08877.其表达水平在颈上和颈胸神经节之间差异无统计学意义(q=0.6631、3.5366,P＞0.05),颈上和颈胸神经节的表达均明显高于腹腔神经节(q=11.554、36.0912、10.9209、31.1996,P＜0.05).结论 交感神经不同节段之间钙调蛋白表达存在的差异可能是交感神经元间电生理差异的基础之一.     

Sympathetic postganglionic innervation of external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, common carotid artery and aorta in the dog--experimental study using HRP and WGA-HRP]

The sympathetic postganglionic innervation of the external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, common carotid artery (CCA) and aorta was studied by using retrograde axonal transport of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and wheat germ agglutinin-HRP conjugates (WGA-HRP). When the powder of HRP was applied to the sheaths of internal and external carotid arteries, labeled cells were found only in the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion (SCG). After injection of WGA-HRP into the walls of the (1) distal, (2) middle, and (3) proximal parts of the CCA, labeled cells were observed in the following ganglia, respectively; (1) the SCG and middle cervical ganglion (MCG), (2) the SCG, MCG and stellate ganglion (SG), and (3) the MCG and SG. These labeled cells were seen in these ganglia of both sides, but they were more marked ipsilaterally. Following injections of WGA-HRP into the walls of ascending and descending aortae, labeled cells were found in the bilateral MCG and SG. These results suggest that the vasodilation of the head and neck after stellate ganglion block using local anesthetic agents is caused by neuronal block of preganglionic sympathetic fibers passing through the stellate ganglion and terminating in the superior cervical ganglion.