Influence of superior cervical ganglionectomy on hippocampal neurogenesis and learning and memory in adult rats

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus plays an important role in learning and memory. However, studies have not determined whether the superior cervical ganglion or the sympathetic nerve system influences hippocampal neurogenesis or learning and memory in adult rats. OBJECTIVE： To observe differences in dentate gyrus neurogenesis, as well as learning and memory, in adult rats following superior cervical ganglionectomy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal study was performed at the Immunohistochemistry Laboratory of the School of Life Sciences in Lanzhou University from July 2006 to July 2007. MATERIALS： Doublecortin polyclonal antibody was provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA; avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex was purchased from Zhongshan Goldenbride Biotechnology, China; Morris water maze was bought from Taimeng Technology, China. METHODS： A total of 20 adult, male, Wistar rats were randomly divided into surgery and control groups, with 10 rats in each group. In the surgery group, the bilateral superior cervical ganglions were transected. In the control group, the superior cervical ganglions were only exposed, but no ganglionectomy was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： To examine distribution, morphology, and number of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus using doublecortin immunohistochemistry at 36 days following surgical procedures. To examine ability of learning and memory in adult rats using the Morris water maze at 30 days following surgical procedures. RESULTS： Doublecortin immunohistochemical results showed that a reduction in the number of doublecortin-positive neurons in the surgery group compared to the control group （P 〈 0.05）, while the distribution of doublecortin-positive neurons was identical in the two groups. The surgery group exhibited significantly worse performance in learning and spatial memory tasks compared to the control group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Superior cervical ganglienectomy inhibited neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and decreased learning and memory abilities in adult rats.

C1C2 Wiring and Posttraumatic Atlantoaxial Dislocation: An Effective and Cheap Surgical Procedure in a Developing Country

Objectives: Atlantoaxial dislocation remains a rare and serious condition with a high preoperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Its successful surgical management is still challenging and gratifying for neurosurgeons. Several technics have been described such as wiring, trans articular screwing, C1C2 screwing with plate and screw introduced by Goel et al., and modified by insertion of polyaxially screw and rod many years later by Harms. Unavailability and expensiveness of upper cervical spine instrumentation device led us to C1C2 Wiring resulting in a good outcome. Finally, a quadriplegic patient with a more comfortable financial condition had ordered devices from abroad and benefit for Goel and Harms screwing technique and improved dramatically from ASIA A to ASIA E. Material and methods: This is a retrospective study of patients managed in our department by a same neurosurgeon from January 2019 to April 2024. Results: We defined 6 men and 1 woman with an average age of 33 years. Unrestrained driver in a rollover motor vehicle accident was most common. Only one patient was neurologically intact on admission. Neurovegetative disorders were noticed in one patient. Dislocation was associated to a fracture of the dens in two patients. Three patients have been successfully operated with remarkable outcome, mostly from ASIA A to E. Conclusion: C1C2 dislocation is a serious condition and C1C2 Wiring represents an effective and cheaper technic. Therefore, this technic should deserve consideration above all in low incomes countries when screwing devices are not available. Seatbelt should be demanded for motor vehicle drivers and passengers.

Differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy and superior pulmonary sulcus tumor

Background The result would be disastrous if the superior pulmonary sulcus tumor （Pancoast tumor） was misdiagnosed as degenerative cervical spine diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential diagnosis methods of cervical radiculopathy and superior pulmonary sulcus tumor. Methods Clinical manifestations, physical, and radiological findings of 10 patients, whose main complaints were radiating shoulder and arm pain and later were diagnosed with superior pulmonary sulcus tumor, were reviewed and compared with those of cervical radiculopathy. Results Superior pulmonary sulcus tumor patients have shorter mean history and fewer complaints of neck pain or limitation of neck movement. Physical examination showed almost normal cervical spine range of motion. Spurling＇s neck compression test was negative in all patients. Anteroposterior cervical radiographs showed the lack of pulmonary air at the top of the affected lung in all cases and first rib encroachment in one case. The diagnosis of superior pulmonary sulcus tumor can be further confirmed by CT and MRI. Conclusions By the method of combination of history, physical examination, and radiological findings, superior pulmonary sulcus tumor can be efficiently differentiated from cervical radiculopathy. Normal motion range of the cervical spine, negative Spurling＇s neck compression test, and the lack of pulmonary air at the top of the affected lung in anteroposterior cervical radiographs should be considered as indications for further chest radiograph examinations.