Visualization of neurons forming the obturator nerve in albino rat

ABSTRACT

To localize and estimate the size, number and segmental distribution of motor, dorsal root ganglion [DRG] and postganglionic sympathetic [PSN] neurons whose axons form the obturator nerve in albino rat. Setting: Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Subjects: Male, adult albino rats of Charles River strain. Main outcome measures: Horseradish peroxidase [HRP] method of tracing neurons by injecting 25-30% HRP solution into the muscles supplied by the obturator nerve. The motoneurons extended between L2 and L4 segments of the spinal cord, appeared as groups of neurons occupying anterolateral, posterolateral and central groups. The labelled sensory neurons located in L2-L4 ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia were densely populated in L3 DRG without any somatotopic organization. Ike sympathetic neurons were labelled in L2-L4 sympathetic ganglia with heavy labelling in The. The somal diameters of the motoneurons ranged between 10 and 50 micro m with majority having somal diameters greater than 25 micro m. The size spectrum of sensory neurons measured between 12 and 50 micro m and that of sympathetic ganglion cells between 10 and 38 micro m