Spinal stenosis: assessment of motor function,VEGF expression and angiogenesis in an experimental model in the rat |
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Authors: | Kazuyuki Watanabe Shin-ichi Konno Miho Sekiguchi Shin-ichi Kikuchi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan |
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Abstract: | Reduction of blood flow in compressed nerve roots is considered as one important mechanism of induction of neurogenic intermittent
claudication in lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis,
and is increased in expression in hypoxic conditions. The objective of this study was to examine if cauda equina compression
affects motor function and induces expression of VEGF and angiogenesis. The cauda equina was compressed by placing a piece
of silicone rubber into the L5 epidural space. Walking duration was examined by rota-rod testing. The compressed parts of
the cauda equina and L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were removed at 3, 7, 14, or 28 days after surgery, and processed for immunohistochemistry
for VEGF and Factor VIII (marker for vascular endothelial cells). Numbers of VEGF-immunoreactive (IR) cells and vascular density
were examined. Walking duration was decreased after induction of cauda equina compression. The number of VEGF-IR cells in
the cauda equina and DRG was significantly increased at 3, 14, and 28 days after cauda equina compression, compared with sham-operated
rats (P < 0.05). Vascular density in the cauda equina was not increased at any of the time points examined. Cauda equina compression
decreased walking duration, and induced VEGF expression in nerve roots and DRG. |
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Keywords: | Cauda equina compression Intermittent claudication Vascular endothelial growth factor Angiogenesis |
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