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01-11-2007 | Original Article

Spinal stenosis: assessment of motor function, VEGF expression and angiogenesis in an experimental model in the rat

Authors: Kazuyuki Watanabe, Shin-ichi Konno, Miho Sekiguchi, Shin-ichi Kikuchi

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 11/2007

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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Title: Spinal stenosis: assessment of motor function, VEGF expression and angiogenesis in an experimental model in the rat
Authors: Kazuyuki Watanabe
Shin-ichi Konno
Miho Sekiguchi
Shin-ichi Kikuchi
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 11/2007
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-007-0394-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Spinal stenosis: assessment of motor function, VEGF expression and angiogenesis in an experimental model in the rat

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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