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Cerebrospinal fluid segregation optic neuropathy: an experimental model and a hypothesis
Gregor P Jaggi1, Mickey Harlev, Urs Ziegler
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau CH-5001, Switzerland.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 29, 2010
Summary
Experimental cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) segregation in the optic nerve (ON) caused severe nerve damage within 4 days. Histological changes suggest interrupted CSF flow, not just pressure, causes optic nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Histology
Background:
- The optic nerve (ON) is surrounded by the subarachnoid space (SAS), which contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- The role of CSF flow in maintaining optic nerve health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological consequences of experimentally blocking CSF flow within the optic nerve's subarachnoid space.
Main Methods:
- Seven sheep underwent surgical ligation of the optic nerve's SAS using a silicone band to impede CSF flow.
- Histological examination of both experimental and control optic nerves was performed after 4 or 21 days.
Main Results:
- Treated optic nerves exhibited significant axonal loss, myelin destruction, and meningoepithelial cell swelling.
- Damage was most severe proximally, furthest from the ligation site.
- No significant difference in damage was observed between 4-day and 21-day ligation groups.
Conclusions:
- Cerebrospinal fluid segregation in the optic nerve leads to rapid and severe histological damage.
- The observed damage pattern supports a hypothesis where altered CSF flow dynamics and content, rather than direct pressure, are causative.
- Interruption of CSF flow in the optic nerve's SAS results in significant nerve pathology.
