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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / Nociceptive and sympathetic innervations in the abaxial part...
Journal of anatomy2016; 229(6); 791-799; doi: 10.1111/joa.12517

Nociceptive and sympathetic innervations in the abaxial part of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus: an immunohistochemical approach.

Abstract: In athletic horses, diseases leading to lameness are of great importance due to the loss of performance and the resultant economic concerns. Although stifle lesions are frequent in the hindlimb, due to the large size and complexity of the joint, and although meniscal tears have been identified as the most common soft tissue injuries in this joint, little is known about the mechanism that causes the painful sensation and thus the lameness. The aim of our study was to highlight any peripheral fibres involved in meniscal nociception in five macroscopically sound cranial horns of the equine medial meniscus, which has been one of the most common sites reported for equine meniscal injuries. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed using antibodies against Substance P in order to identify nociceptive fibres; against tyrosine hydroxylase for detecting postganglionic sympathetic fibres; and against glial fibrillary acidic proteins in order to identify Schwann cells. Our work highlights for the first time the presence of nociceptive and sympathetic fibres in equine menisci. They were found in the abaxial part of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus. This study suggests that when the abaxial part is injured, the meniscus itself could be the source of pain. These findings could provide a better understanding of the clinical presentation of horses with meniscal injury and contribute towards improving therapeutic strategies to alleviate pain in cases of equine meniscal injury.
© 2016 Anatomical Society.
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Publication Date: 2016-06-27 PubMed ID: 27345299PubMed Central: PMC5108152DOI: 10.1111/joa.12517Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigates the presence of nerve fibers related to pain sensation and response in the medial meniscus of horses’ knees, particularly given that the area frequently suffers injury in equines. The researchers aim to improve understanding of equine pain and develop improved therapeutic strategies.

Research Goals

  • The study primarily focused on understanding the mechanism that causes pain and lameness in horses due to meniscal injuries.
  • It aimed to identify the peripheral fibres involved in meniscal pain, specifically in the cranial horns of the equine medial meniscus.
  • The goal was to provide a better understanding of the clinical presentation of horses with meniscal injury and contribute towards improving therapeutic strategies to alleviate pain.

Methodology

  • The researchers investigated the nerve fibres in the medial meniscus of five horses, using a macroscopic approach.
  • They used immunohistochemical staining techniques with specific antibodies to identify different types of nerve fibers.
  • Substance P antibodies were used to identify nociceptive fibres (fibres related to pain sensation).
  • Antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase were used to detect postganglionic sympathetic fibres (fibres involved in the body’s physiological response to threats or injury).
  • Antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic proteins were employed to identify Schwann cells, which support the nerve fibres.

Findings

  • The study found for the first time the presence of nociceptive and sympathetic fibres in the menisci of horses.
  • These nerve fibers were discovered in the abaxial part of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus.
  • This suggests that when this part of the meniscus is injured, the meniscus itself could be the source of pain.

Significance of the Study

  • The study provides a better understanding of the pain and lameness in horses due to meniscal injuries.
  • It highlights the role of the meniscus itself as a source of pain when injured, thus opening new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting the meniscus.
  • The findings contribute to the development of more effective pain relief strategies for equine meniscal injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Nemery E, Gabriel A, Piret J, Antoine N. (2016). Nociceptive and sympathetic innervations in the abaxial part of the cranial horn of the equine medial meniscus: an immunohistochemical approach. J Anat, 229(6), 791-799. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.12517

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 1469-7580
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 229
Issue: 6
Pages: 791-799

Researcher Affiliations

Nemery, Elodie
  • Anatomy Unit, Department of Morphology and Pathology, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Gabriel, Annick
  • Anatomy Unit, Department of Morphology and Pathology, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Piret, Joëlle
  • Histology Unit, Department of Morphology and Pathology, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Antoine, Nadine
  • Histology Unit, Department of Morphology and Pathology, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Menisci, Tibial / anatomy & histology
  • Menisci, Tibial / chemistry
  • Menisci, Tibial / innervation
  • Nociceptors / chemistry
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / anatomy & histology
  • Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic / chemistry

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