The Peripheral Lymphatic System Is Impaired by the Loss of Neuronal Control Associated with Chronic Spinal Cord...

Area of Science:

• Vascular biology
• Dermatology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes venous vascular dysfunction below the injury level, affecting skin fluid balance.
• Neuronal control is crucial for maintaining vascular and tissue homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic SCI-induced loss of neuronal control on the skin lymphatic system.
• To determine if lymphatic function and morphology are altered in SCI.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize lymphatic morphology.
• DNA microarray analysis assessed lymphatic gene expression profiles.
• Quantitative analysis compared lymphatic vessel function and structure in SCI and control skin.

Main Results:

• SCI significantly reduced the ratio of functional to collapsed lymphatic vessels by 10-fold.
• Lymphatic vessel lumen area was halved in SCI skin, associated with impaired collagen structure and increased collagenase expression.
• Despite reduced function, lymphatic vessel number doubled in SCI skin, indicating enhanced lymphangiogenesis.
• Molecular profiling revealed increased connective tissue turnover and decreased lymphatic contractility in SCI.

Conclusions:

• Human skin lymphatic function and development are significantly influenced by neuronal control.
• Impaired lymphatic vascular function in SCI may contribute to disturbed fluid homeostasis, delayed wound healing, and increased susceptibility to pressure ulcers.