Immunocytochemical and dye distribution studies of nerves potentially desensitized by injections into the distal interphalangeal joint or the navicular bursa of horses.
Abstract: To determine whether the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint directly or indirectly communicates with the navicular bursa (bursa podotrochlearis) and to identify sensory nerves in these synovial structures that might be desensitized by intra-articular injections of anesthetics, Evans blue dye in physiologic saline solution, Luxol fast blue dye with mepivicaine, or commercial latex was injected into the DIP joint (5 ml) or the navicular bursa (3 ml) of 152 digits obtained from horses or ponies at necropsy. The digits were frozen, cut with a band saw, and examined for distribution of dye or latex. Of 122 digits that had injections into the DIP joint, 120 did not have evidence of a communication between the DIP joint and either the navicular bursa or digital flexor tendon sheath. Of 16 digits that had injections into the navicular bursa, 14 did not have evidence of a direct communication with the DIP joint. Injection of dye into the DIP joint resulted in diffusion of dye and staining of other structures, including the synovial linings of the collateral sesamoidean ligaments and of the distal sesamoidean impar ligament and the medullary cavity of the navicular bone. In addition, a blue tinge was observed in the navicular bursa after dye was injected into the DIP joint, suggesting an indirect, and potentially functional, communication between the DIP joint and the navicular bursa. Injection of dye into the navicular bursa resulted in staining only of the bursa's synovial lining. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed nerves immunoreactive for the peptidergic neurotransmitters substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide located in structures that were stained after dye was injected into the DIP joint.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1993-12-15 PubMed ID: 8307823
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
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The research investigated the intercommunication and nerve distribution between the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and the navicular bursa in horses, assessing the possibility of their desensitization through the injection of anesthetics.
Methodology
- In the procedure, 152 horse digit samples were procured post-mortem to carry out the experiment.
- Three different solutions were prepared – Evans blue dye in saline, Luxol fast blue dye with mepivicaine, and commercial latex. These were injected into the DIP joint or the navicular bursa of the collected samples.
- Following the injection, the samples were frozen and sectioned using a band saw for examination of the dye or latex distribution.
Results
- Out of 122 injections into the DIP joint, only a couple showed a communication between DIP and the navicular bursa or digital flexor tendon sheath, demonstrating a low probability of intercommunication.
- Examinations of 16 injections into the navicular bursa revealed that a majority (14) did not have a direct link with the DIP joint.
- Injections into the DIP joint resulted in the dye spreading and staining other structures such as the collateral sesamoidean ligaments, the distal sesamoidean impar ligament, the medullary cavity of the navicular bone, and faintly, the navicular bursa.
- The dye injected into the navicular bursa predominantly stained the internal lining of the bursa without any significant diffusion.
Immunocytochemical Analysis
- Immunocytochemical staining showed nerves reactive to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, neurotransmitters that signal pain, in the areas that were stained by the injection in the DIP joint.
The research suggests a potential for reducing pain in the DIP joint and navicular bursa of horses. If these areas are targeted with anesthetics, it is likely to indirectly desensitize nerves contained within these structures, thus providing relief.
Cite This Article
APA
Bowker RM, Rockershouser SJ, Vex KB, Sonea IM, Caron JP, Kotyk R.
(1993).
Immunocytochemical and dye distribution studies of nerves potentially desensitized by injections into the distal interphalangeal joint or the navicular bursa of horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 203(12), 1708-1714.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1316.
MeSH Terms
- Anesthesia, Local / veterinary
- Animals
- Bursa, Synovial / anatomy & histology
- Bursa, Synovial / innervation
- Coloring Agents / administration & dosage
- Extremities
- Foot
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Injections, Intra-Articular / veterinary
- Joints / anatomy & histology
- Joints / innervation
Citations
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