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Vasomotion in normal and injured spinal cord
M Mizutani1, T Yamamuro, J Shikata
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Experimental Neurology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Spinal cord blood flow in cats shows rhythmic fluctuations independent of breathing. These patterns are sensitive to blood pressure and CO2 levels, offering insights into spinal cord vascular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Spinal cord blood flow regulation is crucial for function.
- Understanding vasomotion dynamics is key to spinal cord health.
- Previous research has not fully characterized rhythmic spinal cord blood flow changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate rhythmic changes in feline thoracic spinal cord blood flow.
- To assess the impact of blood pressure and CO2 on these rhythmic changes.
- To examine alterations in spinal cord blood flow regulation following injury.
Main Methods:
- Laser-Doppler flowmetry was used to measure spinal cord blood flow in felines.
- Systemic blood pressure was manipulated using angiotensin II and trimethaphan.
- Hypercapnia was induced to assess CO2 responsiveness.
- Spinal cord injury (500 gm/cm) was induced to evaluate post-injury vascular function.
Main Results:
- Rhythmic blood flow oscillations (3-8 cycles/min) were observed, unrelated to cardiac or respiratory cycles.
- These rhythmic changes were abolished by lowering blood pressure or inducing hypercapnia but unaffected by angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
- CO2 responsiveness and post-occlusive hyperemia were diminished 1 hour after injury but partially recovered by 2 days, coinciding with the return of rhythmic changes.
Conclusions:
- Feline spinal cord blood flow exhibits intrinsic rhythmic vasomotion.
- This vasomotion is sensitive to systemic blood pressure and CO2 levels.
- Spinal cord injury temporarily disrupts vascular regulation, including CO2 responsiveness and vasomotion, with partial recovery over time.