• Miho Sekiguchi, Shinichi Kikuchi, and Robert R Myers.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan. miho-s@fmu.ac.jp
• Spine. 2004 May 15; 29 (10): 1105-11.

Study DesignAn analysis of pathologic changes after different degrees of cauda equina compression.ObjectivesTo explore the association between the degree of the cauda equina compression and the extent of pathologic change, expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), and neuropathic pain. To compare with distal nerve compression injury.Summary Of Background DataCompression of the cauda equina reduces blood flow in compressed nerve roots and causes TNF-alpha expression and neuropathological change. In peripheral nerve, expression of TNF-alpha in Schwann cells is associated with primary demyelination without pain while TNF-alpha expression by macrophages is associated with axonal (Wallerian) degeneration and pain.MethodsTwo square-shaped pieces of silicon were placed into the fourth and sixth epidural space in rats. Various sized silicon was used in each group (mild, moderate, and strong compression groups), while no silicon was used in the sham-operated group. Mechanical allodynia was determined by the von Frey test. Comparisons of the number of TNF-alpha- and apoptosis-positive cells were made using immunohistochemistry.ResultsThere was no significant mechanical allodynia observed in any group. Some nerve roots showed demyelination following mild cauda equina compression. Axonal degeneration was observed in the moderate and strong cauda equina compression groups. TNF-alpha-immunoreactive cells were increased in all compression groups. Apoptosis of dorsal root ganglion cells was less than apoptosis in the spinal cord.ConclusionMild cauda equina compression induces TNF-alpha expression and demyelination. Moderate and strong cauda equina compression induces TNF-alpha expression and degeneration associated with macrophage invasion. Neither demyelination nor degeneration in the cauda equina induced mechanical allodynia. Nerve lesions proximal to the dorsal root ganglion do not produce significant mechanical allodynia. Dorsal root ganglion apoptosis may be important for pain.

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