Paradoxical Changes of Cutaneous Microcirculation and Sympathetic Fibers of Rat Hind Limbs after Sciatic Nerve Compression

Abstract

Background: Recent studies show evidence that surgical nerve decompression could improve cutaneous blood flow (CBF), which might benefit ulcer healing. However, the change of CBF and sympathetic fibers after nerve compression is poorly understood. In the current study, a unilateral sciatic nerve compression model was created in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: A laser Doppler imaging system was applied to assess the CBF of the regions below the ankles. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the histopathologic changes of sympathetic fibers in sciatic nerve samples. Results: Laser Doppler imaging revealed decreased CBF of both the lesional limb and the contralesional limb, which occurred earlier in the lesional side, indicating an enhanced sympathetic tone on vasomotor function. Intraneural density of sympathetic fibers decreased on both sides and the ultrastructure of unmyelinated fibers of both sides degenerated in a nonsynchronized manner. Conclusions: The study revealed nonsynchronized reduced CBF of bilateral hind limbs with paradoxically degenerated and diminished sympathetic fibers in bilateral sciatic nerves after unilateral sciatic nerve compression. These results may validate the importance of and broaden the indications for surgical nerve decompression in preventing or treating foot ulcers.