Focal conduction block in the dorsal root ganglion in experimental allergic neuritis

Acute experimental allergic neuritis was induced in Lewis rats by inoculation with bovine intradural root myelin and adjuvants. In terminal experiments, sensory conduction was assessed in rats with hindlimb ataxia and weakness by stimulating the exposed sciatic nerve and recording directly from the exposed L-4 spinal nerve, dorsal root ganglion, dorsal root, and dorsal root entry zone. Focal conduction block was present in a high proportion of large-diameter fibers in the dorsal root ganglion. In contrast, nerve conduction in the peripheral nerve and spinal nerve was essentially normal apart from probable conduction block in some fibers in the proximal spinal nerve in a minority of rats. The afferent volley arriving at the dorsal root entry zone of the spinal cord was greatly reduced, as a consequence of the conduction block in the dorsal root ganglion and probable conduction block in the dorsal root. The M wave recorded from the fourth dorsal interosseus muscle of the hindfoot was normal in amplitude but slightly prolonged in latency and the H reflex was absent. These electrophysiological findings correlated well with the histological findings of inflammation and prominent demyelination in the dorsal root ganglia and dorsal roots with minimal involvement of the proximal spinal nerve and no involvement of the sciatic nerve. It is concluded that the hindlimb ataxia in rats with this form of acute experimental allergic neuritis is due to demyelination-induced nerve conduction block in the dorsal root ganglia and probably in the dorsal roots.