Correlation of functional activation in the rat spinal cord with neuronal activation detected by immunohistochemistry

The relationship between neuronal activity in the rat cervical and lumbar spinal cord was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and immunohistochemistry. Neuronal activity determined by c-fos staining was greatest between L4 and L6, and C5 to C7 spinal cord segments during noxious electrical stimulation of the rat hindpaw and forepaw, respectively. Areas of activity determined by fMRI are consistent with spinal cord physiology, and are predominantly found in regions of the spinal cord associated with pain, namely the dorsal horn. Activity in the ventral region of the cord was also observed, as expected. Combined results from repeated experiments demonstrated consistent areas of activity in response to stimulation, and show a high degree of reproducibility. Good correspondence was observed between functional MRI and sites of neuronal activity determined by c-fos labeling.