Multiple protracted cauda equina constrictions cause deep derangement in the lumbosacral spinal cord circuitry in the dog

Abstract

Neuropathological changes of the neuronal pools and spinal cord circuitry in the lumbosacral segments were studied in a canine model of multiple protracted cauda equina constrictions. Anterograde degeneration of all sacrococcygeal and L7 dorsal root fibers was detected in S1–S3 and lower lumbar segments. A narrow degenerated gracile fascicle was found in all thoracic and cervical segments terminating in the gracile nucleus. Transneuronal degeneration of middle-sized and large neurons, located in S1–S3 and sporadically in L7 segments, was noted. Identical transneuronal degeneration was seen in a group of small neurons located in the ventralmost part of lamina VII in S1–S3 segments. Simultaneously, a terminal degeneration was detected in the lateral cervical nucleus and in the ventral posterior lateral nucleus of the ventrobasal thalamic complex. Concomitantly, a fully developed retrograde degeneration affecting motoneurons in the ventrolateral portion of the anterior horn in S1–S3 segments appeared.