First report of important causal relationship between the Adamkiewicz artery vasospasm and dorsal root ganglion cell degeneration in spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage: An experimental study using a rabbit model

Interaction between Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema and Thoracic 3 DRG Degeneration Following Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: First Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

 Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still one of the most catastrophic complications with high morbidity and mortality rates. Systemic sympathetic hyperactivity has been considered in the pathogenesis, but it has not been clarified. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the degeneration of the T3 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the development of NPE following spinal SAH.

METHODS

 The study was conducted on 23 rabbits. Five rabbits were used as the control group, 5 as the sham group (n = 5), and 13 as the study group. The correlation between the degenerated neuronal densities of the T3 nerve axons and neurons in the DRG and NPE scores was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

 A correlation between the neuronal degeneration of the T3 nerve, its DRG, and high NPE scores was found in the study group and the sham group. Massive NPE was detected in the study group along with neural degeneration of T3 axons and ganglia.

CONCLUSION

 The present study indicates that NPE and pulmonary artery vasospasm can be prevented by reducing T3 DRG degeneration.

First report of the histopathological effect of electrocautery using on the urethral taste rosea during glans penis injury by incision in rabbits

Objective

Currently, electrocautery devices have frequently been used in penile surgical procedures. We hypothesized that electrocautery using during penile surgical procedures may harm the taste rosea and the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris.

Methods

Eighteen young age male New Zealand rabbits were studied: five in the control (Group I, n=5), five in the penile surgery without using electrocautery (sham group, Group II, n=5), eight in the monopolar cautery (study group, Group III, n=8) groups under general anesthesia. The animals were followed for 3 weeks and sacrificed. Penile tissue-pudendal nerve root complexes and dorsal root ganglion of sacral 3 level were examined using stereological methods. The results were compared statistically.

Results

The live and degenerated taste bud-like structures and degenerated neuron densities of pudendal ganglia (mean±standard deviation, n/mm3) were estimated as 198±24/mm3, 4±1/mm3, and 5±1/mm3 in Group I; 8±3/mm3, 174±21/mm3, and 24±7/mm3 in Group II; and 21±5/mm3, 137±14/mm3, and 95±12/mm3 in Group III, respectively. Neurodegeneration of taste buds and pudendal ganglia was significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

Intact spinal cord and normal parasympathetic and thoracolumbar sympathetic networks are crucial for human sexual function. The present study indicates that the glans penis injury by using electrocautery may lead to pudendal ganglia degeneration. Iatrogenic damage to taste rosea and retrograde degeneration of the pudendal nerve may be the cause of sexual dysfunction responsible mechanism.

Changes in the Urethral Artery After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Injury of the Pudendal Ganglion and Onuf's Nucleus Junction

OBJECTIVE

Onuf's nucleus is an anatomical structure essential in the regulation of urogenital functions. Lumbosacral pathologies may cause changes in urogenital circulation due to Onuf's nucleus injury; however, there is limited evidence corroborating the relationship between spinal cord injury and urethral artery changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 23 sexually mature male rabbits-5 rabbits in the control group (GI), 5 rabbits in the sham group (GII), and 13 rabbits in the experimental group (GIII; received autologous blood transfusion into the T12-L1 subarachnoid space to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The GIII underwent a S1-3 laminectomy after 2 weeks and was decapitated. Histologic specimens were prepared to examine changes in Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglion, and urethral arteries. The density of damaged neurons and vasospasm index (VSI) in the urethral artery were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean density of damaged neurons (n/mm3 ) in Onuf's nucleus and pudendal ganglia (S3) and the mean VSI of the 3 groups were as follows-GI: 6 ± 2 per mm3 , 12 ± 4 per mm3 , and 1.63 ± 0.25, respectively; GII: 27 ± 6 per mm3 , 221 ± 62 per mm3 , and 1.97 ± 0.36, respectively; GIII: 154 ± 41 per mm3 , 1890 ± 541 per mm3 , and 3.04 ± 0.95 (P < .05 each for GI/GII, GI/GIII, and GII/GIII). Neuronal damage criteria, such as cytoplasmic condensation and cytoplasmic halo formation, were more prominent in GIII.

CONCLUSION

SAH can lead to ischemia of the Onuf's nucleus-pudendal nerve structures due to urethral artery spasm, resulting in urogenital complications.

From Nose to Lumbar Spinal Cord - Reduced Sperm Numbers Occur by Olfactory Bulbectomy-Related Onuf's Nucleus Degeneration: New Experimental Evidence for Kallmann Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Olfaction and its relation to human health is an area of growing interest. Although olfaction disorders have been considered a part of Kallmann syndrome, the role of olfactory dysfunction on spermatogenesis has not been studied yet. We studied if olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) causes dysfunction in spermatogenesis as a result of Onuf's nucleus damage.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: six as the control (G-1; n = 6), six as the only frontal burr hole applied animals SHAM (G-2; n = 6), and 16 as the study group (G-3; n = 16) in which OBX was performed. The animals were followed for 2 months. After the decapitation of the animals, olfactory bulb (OB) volumes (mm3), the neuron density of the Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm density (n/mm3) were estimated stereologically and analyzed.

RESULTS

OB volumes (mm3), degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus (n/mm3), and sperm numbers of control, SHAM, and study groups were estimated as: 4 ± 0.5; 6 ± 2 and 103.245 ± 10.841 in G-1; 3.5 ± 0.7; 14 ± 4 and 96.891 ± 9.569 in G-2; and 1.3 ± 0.3; 91 ± 17 and 73.561 ± 6.324 in G-3. The statistical results of degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus and sperm numbers between groups are p < 0.005 for G-1/G-2; p < 0.0005 for G-2/G-3; and p < 0.00001 for G-1/G-3.

DISCUSSION

This study first time indicates that Onuf's nucleus degeneration secondary to OBX seems to be responsible for reduced sperm numbers.

The relationship between mean platelet volume and the mortality of patient severe head trauma; first study

BACKGROUND

Prediction of mortality in a patient with head trauma is essential. In this study, the effect of mean platelet volume (MPV) on the mortality rate of patients with severe head trauma was studied.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The relationship between mortality and mean platelet volumes of patient with cranial trauma was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

43 patients with head trauma were admitted to the intensive care unit during the study period. While 17 patients died (Group I), 26 patients survived (Group II). Cox regression analysis showed that late MPV (at exitus or discharged date), WBC at admission, and age increase the mortality rate 1,770, 1,202, 1,052 times, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that MPV may be a useful predictor of mortality in patients with severe head trauma.

Assessment relationship between the femoral artery vasospasm and dorsal root ganglion cell degeneration in spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage: an experimental study

STUDY DESIGN

Animal proof of principle study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate neurodegeneration in rabbit L4-dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells by creating experimental spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we aimed to show the neuronal pathway between L₄-DRG and femoral artery.

SETTING

Ataturk University, Medical Faculty, Animal Laboratory, Erzurum, Turkey.

METHODS

This study was designed on 20 rabbits, which were randomly divided into three groups: Spinal SAH (n = 8), SHAM (n = 6), and control (n = 6) groups. Animals were followed for 20 days and then killed. Vasospasm index values of the femoral artery and neuron density of L₄-DRG were analyzed.

RESULTS

The number of degenerated neurons in DRG was higher in the spinal SAH than the control and SHAM groups (p < 0.001). But, the difference between the control group and the SHAM group was not significant. Normal neuron densities were significantly lower in the spine SAH group compared to the SHAM and the control groups. There was a statistically significant increase in vasospasm index values of the spinal SAH group compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased volume of the femoral artery lumen was showed in animals with spinal SAH compared with control and SHAM groups. Increased degeneration of the L₄ dorsal root ganglion in animals with spinal SAH was also demonstrated. Our findings might shed light on the planning of future experimental studies and evaluating the clinical relevance of such studies.

Relationship between subarachnoid and central canal hemorrhage and spasticity: A first experimental study

Objective: Spastic disorders are considered as important cerebral complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, there has been no research concerning the pathophysiological mechanism of its link with the spinal cord. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the development of spasticity and neuronal degeneration after SAH and increase in spinal cord pressure after central canal hemorrhage (CCH).Participants: Twenty-three rabbits were included.Outcome measures: Of all rabbits, 5, 5, and 13 were allocated in the control, SHAM and study groups, respectively. Moreover, 1 cc of saline and 1 cc of autologous arterial blood were injected into the cisterna magna of the SHAM and study groups, respectively. The Muscle spasticity tension values (MSTVs) were determined according to the modified Ashworth scale. Degenerated neuron densities (DND) in the gray matter (GM) of each animal's spinal cord were stereologically calculated.Results: The average MSTV of each group was as follows: control group (n = 5) 2; SHAM group (n = 5) 3-5; and study group (n = 13) 8-10. The DND values of the spinal cord of each group were as follows: control group, 2 ± 1/mm³; SHAM group, 12 ± 3/mm³; and study group, 34 ± 9/mm³. Results showed an important linear relationship between the MSTVs and the DND of the spinal cord (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Spasticity may be attributed to other causes such as ischemic neurodegenerative process that develops after spinal SAH and the de-synchronization of the flexor-extensor muscles due to the spontaneous discharge of interneuronal structures, which are crossed within the spinal cord owing to the build-up of pressure after CCH.

NLR value and IL-18 level and their clinical significance in patients with deep vein thrombosis after receiving the surgery for spinal degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Interleukin 18 (IL-18) level in patients with deep vein thrombosis after receiving surgery for spinal degeneration; and we explore their significance in clinical practice.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 296 patients who were treated in our hospital for spinal degeneration. After surgery, these patients were followed up for 1 month. After performing the color Doppler ultrasound examination, patients were divided into the thrombus group (n = 72) and the non-thrombus group (n = 224) based on the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. Baseline data, NLR values and IL-18 levels before surgery, and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after surgery were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was implemented to analyze the risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Patients in the thrombosis group were allocated to the mild, moderate, and severe group on the basis of the degree of thrombosis. NLR values and IL-18 levels at 3 days after surgery were compared among the three groups. The correlations between both NLR value and IL-18 level and the severity of deep vein thrombosis were analyzed with Pearson correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the clinical value of NLR value and IL-18 level at 3 days after surgery in predicting postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

RESULTS

There were significant differences concerning age, the history of diabetes, and obesity between the two groups (all P<0.05). NLR values and IL-18 levels in both groups after surgery were increased when compared with before surgery (all P<0.01). In addition, NLR values and IL-18 levels reached a peak at 3 days after surgery. Compared with the non-thrombus group, NLR values and IL-18 levels in the thrombus group at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after surgery were increased (all P<0.01). NLR value and IL-18 level in the thrombosis group at 3 days after surgery were increased with a worsened degree of thrombosis. In other words, both NLR value and IL-18 level were positively correlated with the degree of deep vein thrombosis. The results of logistic regression analysis displayed that age ≥60 years old, body mass index ≥23 kg/m², NLR value >4.34%, and IL-18 level >115.71 ng/mL were independent risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis. The results of the ROC curve showed that the area under curves, which represent the formation of postoperative deep vein thrombosis, were above 0.7 when using NLR value and IL-18 level at 3 days after surgery (both P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the non-thrombus group, NLR value and IL-18 level in the thrombosis group after receiving surgery for spinal degeneration are significantly increased. In addition, the more severe the thrombosis is, the higher the NLR value and IL-18 level at 3 days after surgery. Therefore, NLR value and IL-18 level at 3 days after surgery have certain clinical value in predicting postoperative deep vein thrombosis and prognosis.

First emerging evidence of the relationship between Onuf's nucleus degeneration and reduced sperm number following spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage: Experimental study

Lumbosacral pathologies can lead to infertility. Onuf's nucleus changes in these pathologies may have a role in low sperm number. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Onuf's nucleus degeneration and sperm number following spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage. 22 rabbits were used. They were divided into three groups; five of them were used as the control (GI), five as the SHAM (GII) and twelve as the study groups (GIII). The study group received 0.7 ccs autologous blood into the spinal subarachnoid space at the T12-L1 level. After two weeks, all animals were decapitated, and S1-S3 laminectomy was done. Neurodegenerative changes of Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglia (S3) following two weeks after spinal SAH, were examined; sperm numbers were calculated. Degenerated neuron density of the Onuf's nucleus (n/mm³ ), the pudendal ganglia (S3) (n/mm³ ) and mean sperm numbers were calculated as 5 ± 2, 8 ± 3/mm³ and 98.345 ± 12.776/mm³ in the control (GI), 20 ± 5/mm³ , 243 ± 66/mm³ and 91.841 ± 9.654/mm³ in the SHAM (GII), 143 ± 39/mm³ , 2,350 ± 320/mm³ and 68.549 ± 5.540/mm³ in the study group (GIII). In conclusion, there were statistically significant differences between groups. Onuf's nucleus may be responsible for decreased sperm number following spinal SAH.

Important interaction between urethral taste bud-like structures and Onuf's nucleus following spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A hypothesis for the mechanism of dysorgasmia

BACKGROUND

We previously postulated that orgasmic sensation may occur through recently discovered genital taste bud-like structures. The interaction between the pudendal nerve and Onuf's nucleus may be important for developing orgasmic information. The study aims to investigate whether ischemic damage to Onuf's nucleus-pudendal network following spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) causes taste bud degeneration or not.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 22 fertile male rabbits who were divided into three groups: control (GI; n=5), SHAM (GII; n=5) and study (GIII; n=12). Isotonic solution, .7cm³, for the SHAM, and .7cm³ homologous blood was injected into spinal subarachnoid spaces at S2 level of the study group. Two weeks later, Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglia and the taste bud-like structures of the penile urethra were examined histopathologically. Degenerated neuron densities of Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglia and atrophic taste bud-like structures were estimated per mm³ and the results analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

The mean degenerated neuron densities of taste bud-like structures, Onuf's nucleus and pudendal ganglia were estimated as 2±1/mm³, 5±1/mm³, 6±2/mm³ in GI; 12±4/mm³, 35±9/mm³, 188±31/mm³, in GII and 41±8/mm³, 215±37/mm³, 1321±78/mm³, in GIII. Spinal SAH induced neurodegeneration in Onuf's nucleus, pudendal ganglia and taste bud atrophy was significantly different between GI/GII (p<.005); GII/GIII (p<.0005) and GI/GIII (p<.0001).

CONCLUSION

Ischemic neuronal degenerations of Onuf's nucleus and pudendal ganglia following spinal SAH lead to genital taste bud-like structure atrophy. This mechanism may be responsible for sexual anhedonia and sterility in cases with spinal cord injury, which has not been documented so far. More studies are needed.

First histopathological bridging of the distance between Onuf's nucleus and substantia nigra after olfactory bulbectomy-new ideas about the urinary dysfunction in cerebral neurodegenerative disease: an experimental study

OBJECTIVES

Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in experimental studies induces neurochemical, neurodegenerative changes in various parts of the body. But no information is available about how OBX affects the spinal cord in rats. Our study aims to investigate this question.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: six as the control, six as the SHAM, and 16 as the study group in which OBX was performed. The animals were followed for 10 weeks. After decapitation of the animals, olfactory bulb (OB) volumes, the olfactory glomerulus (OG), and the neuron density of the ON (Onuf nucleus) per cubic centimeter at the L4-S4 level were examined histopathologically and analyzed stereologically.

RESULTS

The mean OB volume, remaining normal OG density, and degenerated neuron density (DND) of the ON was measured as 4.32 ± 0.21/mm³ , 1842 ± 114/mm³ , and 4 ± 1 /mm³ in the control (group I); 3.3 ± 0.14/mm³ , 1321 ± 114/mm³ , and 43 ± 8/mm³ in the SHAM (group II); and 1.672 ± 0.12/mm³ , 852 ± 93/mm³ , and 154 ± 11/mm³ in the study group (group III). There was a statistically significant difference between the SHAM and the study group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, histopathological bridging between ON-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and OBX was shown the first time. According to the findings, LUTS may be reversed by the protection of the affected spinal cord through the correction of olfaction impairment in neurodegenerative disease.

Disruption of the network between Onuf's nucleus and myenteric ganglia, and developing Hirschsprung-like disease following spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage: an experimental study

Purpose/Aim of the study: Auerbach/Meissner network of lower abdominopelvic organs managed by parasympathetic nerve fibres of lumbosacral roots arising from Onuf's nucleus located in conus medullaris. Aim of this study is to evaluate if there is any relationship between Onuf's nucleus ischemia and Auerbach/Meissner network degeneration following spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 24 male rabbits included control (Group I, n = 5), serum saline-SHAM (Group II, n = 5), and spinal SAH (Group III, n = 14) groups. Spinal SAH performed by injecting homologous blood into subarachnoid space at Th₁₂-L₄ level and followed three weeks. Live and degenerated neuron densities of Onuf's nucleus, Auerbach and Meissner ganglia (n/mm³) were determined by Stereological methods. Results: The mean degenerated neuron density of Onuf's nucleus was significantly higher in Group III than in Groups I-II (152 ± 26, 2 ± 1 and 5 ± 2/mm³ respectively, p < 0.005). The degenerated neuron density of Auerbach's ganglia was significantly higher in Group III than in Groups I-II (365 ± 112, 3 ± 1 and 9 ± 3/mm³ respectively, p < 0.005). The degenerated neuron density of Meissner's ganglia was significantly higher in Group III than in Groups I-II (413 ± 132, 2 ± 1 and 11 ± 4/mm³ respectively, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Onuf's nucleus pathologies should be considered as Auerbach/Meissner ganglia degeneration and also related Hirschsprung-like diseases in the future.

The casual association of cervical spinal cord ischemia and axonal degeneration in second motor neuron following subarachnoid hemorrhage: Experimental study

AIM

Muscle abnormalities after spinal cord ischemia caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have not been explored for degenerative variations in the soma of second motor neurons of the spinal cord gray matter. This study aimed to investigate histopathological alterations in the gray matter and the role of peripheral nerves in SAH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-two rabbits were allocated in the control (Group I, n = 5), SHAM (Group II, n = 5), and research (Group III, n = 12) groups. Muscle weakness of the upper extremities innervated by radial nerves was evaluated at the initial day, and outcomes were recorded as control data. Re-measurements were done after injecting 0.5 ml of SF for SHAM and autolog artery blood inside craniocervical subarachnoid space for the study group. After 3 weeks, radial nerve roots, their ganglia, and segments of the spinal cord around C5-6 root entry zones were extracted bilaterally. Degenerated second motor neuron somas and the degenerated radial nerve motor axons at the intervertebral foramen were assessed.

RESULTS

The average degenerated soma intensity/mm³ at the C5-6 levels in the spinal cord was 2 ± 1/mm³, 13 ± 4/mm³, and 56 ± 10/mm³ for Groups I, II, and Group III. The average degenerated axon intensity of radial nerves was 3 ± 1/mm², 34 ± 9/mm², and 234 ± 78/mm² for Groups I, II, and III.

CONCLUSION

Gray matter ischemia in the spinal cord may lead to axonal deterioration on equal levels at the peripheral nerves with advanced SAH. Detected or undetected spinal SAH should be considered an important factor on the etiology of second motor neuron diseases.

Sudden death and cervical spine: A new contribution to pathogenesis for sudden death in critical care unit from subarachnoid hemorrhage; first report - An experimental study

Context:

Sudden death from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is not uncommon.

Aims:

The goal of this study is to elucidate the effect of the cervical spinal roots and the related dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) on cardiorespiratory arrest following SAH.

Settings and Design:

This was an experimental study conducted on rabbits.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 22 rabbits which were randomly divided into three groups: control (n = 5), physiologic serum saline (SS; n = 6), SAH groups (n = 11). Experimental SAH was performed. Seven of 11 rabbits with SAH died within the first 2 weeks. After 20 days, other animals were sacrificed. The anterior spinal arteries, arteriae nervorum of cervical nerve roots (C6–C8), DRGs, and lungs were histopathologically examined and estimated stereologically.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics 18.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Intergroup differences were assessed using a one-way ANOVA. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

In the SAH group, histopathologically, severe anterior spinal artery (ASA) and arteriae nervorum vasospasm, axonal and neuronal degeneration, and neuronal apoptosis were observed. Vasospasm of ASA did not occur in the SS and control groups. There was a statistically significant increase in the degenerated neuron density in the SAH group as compared to the control and SS groups (P < 0.05). Cardiorespiratory disturbances, arrest, and lung edema more commonly developed in animals in the SAH group.

Conclusion:

We noticed interestingly that C6–C8 DRG degenerations were secondary to the vasospasm of ASA, following SAH. Cardiorespiratory disturbances or arrest can be explained with these mechanisms.

First report of perforation of ligamentum flavum by sequestrated lumbar intervertebral disc

Disc fragments are well known to migrate to superior, inferior, or lateral sites in the anterior epidural space, posterior epidural migrated lumbar disc fragments is an extremely rare disorder, 61 cases have been reported to date. However, there were no cases with perforated ligamentum flavum (LF). We report a different case with perforation of ligamentum ligamentum by disc fragment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of perforation LF by a posterior epidural migrated sequester disc.

Ligamentum flavum hematomas: Why does it mostly occur in old Asian males? Interesting point of reported cases: Review and case report

Hematoma of the ligamentum flavum (LF) is a rare cause of neural compression and sciatica. Currently, the etiology and epidemiological characteristics of ligamentum flavum hematoma (LFH) are unknown and epidemiological investigations using rewieving of reported cases have not been performed. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with a LFH compressing the spinal canal at the left L2-L3 level, rewieved relevant literature. In Medline research, wefound a total of 50 reported cases with LFHs, and the interesting point of these cases were analyzed. Many of cases were old males. Interestingly, 39 of the 50 cases were reported from Asian countries. The ages of 42 patients could be verified. The youngest age was 45 years, oldest age was 81 years, and mean age was 66.07 years. Thirty-three out of these 42 patients (78.53%) were older than 60 years. An important aspect of the present review is to bring attention for occurrence in older Asian males. With an increasing number of elderly people in the general population, there is a need to investigate risk factors such as sexual gender, age, and geographic location for LFH.

The impact of L5 dorsal root ganglion degeneration and Adamkiewicz artery vasospasm on descending colon dilatation following spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage: An experimental study; first report

CONTEXT

Somato-sensitive innervation of bowels are maintained by lower segments of spinal cord and the blood supply of the lower spinal cord is heavily dependent on Adamkiewicz artery. Although bowel problems are sometimes seen in subarachnoid hemorrhage neither Adamkiewicz artery spasm nor spinal cord ischemia has not been elucidated as a cause of bowel dilatation so far.

AIMS

The goal of this study was to study the effects Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) vasospasm in lumbar subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on bowel dilatation severity.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

An experimental rabbit study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 25 rabbits, which were randomly divided into three groups: Spinal SAH (N = 13), serum saline (SS) (SS; N = 7) and control (N = 5) groups. Experimental spinal SAH was performed. After 21 days, volume values of descending parts of large bowels and degenerated neuron density of L5DRG were analyzed.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Statistical analysis was performed using the PASW Statistics 18.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). Two-tailed t-test and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean volume of imaginary descending colons was estimated as 93 ± 12 cm(3) in the control group and 121 ± 26 cm(3) in the SS group and 176 ± 49 cm(3) in SAH group. Volume augmentations of the descending colons and degenerated neuron density L5DRG were significantly different between the SAH and other two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

An inverse relationship between the living neuronal density of the L5DRG and the volume of imaginary descending colon values was occurred. Our findings will aid in the planning of future experimental studies and determining the clinical relevance on such studies.