In:
American Journal of Veterinary Research, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Vol. 66, No. 4 ( 2005-04-01), p. 710-720
Abstract:
Objective —To determine the location, morphology,
and neurochemical code of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion neurons that innervate the gastrocnemius
muscle (GM) and superficial digital flexor muscle (FDSM) in cattle. Animals —5 healthy Friesian male calves. Procedure —2 different types of neuronal retrograde
fluorescent tracers (fast blue and diamidino yellow) were injected into the GM and FDSM, respectively.
The neurochemical code (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, galanin, and neuronal nuclear
protein) of labeled neurons was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results —Neurons innervating the GM and FDSM
were located along the L6-S2 spinal cord segments and ganglionic levels. A cranial-to-caudal topographic
distribution for each muscle was found, indicating that the motor nuclei of the 2 muscles are organized by a
somatotopic pattern. The GM and FDSM motoneurons were immunoreactive only for calcitonin generelated
peptide, whereas the afferent neurons were immunoreactive for all of the neurochemical markers
considered. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —In our study,
location and the extent of neurons that supply the GM and FDSM of cattle were characterized completely.
Because the GM and FDSM are involved in spastic paresis of calves and it is thought that spastic paresis
results from an excessive activity of the neuromuscular spindle reflex arc, findings in our study may be
useful for further electrophysiologic and clinical studies. Knowledge of the neurochemical code of neurons
that supply the GM and FDSM in healthy calves could be used to compare chemical alterations in the same
neuronal population of affected calves. ( Am J Vet Res 2005;66:710–720)
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0002-9645
DOI:
10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.710
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2056942-7
SSG:
22
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