Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Eurasian Journal of Medicine, cilt.55, sa.3, ss.239-242, 2023 (ESCI)
Objective: Onuf ’s nucleus is an anatomical structure essential in the regulation of urogenital functions. Lumbosacral pathologies may cause changes in urogenital circulation due to Onuf ’s nucleus injury; how-ever, there is limited evidence corroborating the relationship between spinal cord injury and urethral artery changes. Materials and Methods: We used 23 sexually mature male rabbits—5 rabbits in the control group (GI), 5 rabbits in the sham group (GII), and 13 rabbits in the experimental group (GIII; received autologous blood transfusion into the T12–L1 subarachnoid space to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The GIII under-went a S1-3 laminectomy after 2 weeks and was decapitated. Histologic specimens were prepared to exam-ine changes in Onuf ’s nucleus, pudendal ganglion, and urethral arteries. The density of damaged neurons and vasospasm index (VSI) in the urethral artery were evaluated. Results: The mean density of damaged neurons (n/mm3) in Onuf ’s nucleus and pudendal ganglia (S3) and the mean VSI of the 3 groups were as follows—GI: 6 ± 2 per mm3, 12 ± 4 per mm3, and 1.63 ± 0.25, respectively; GII: 27 ± 6 per mm3, 221 ± 62 per mm3, and 1.97 ± 0.36, respectively; GIII: 154 ± 41 per mm3, 1890 ± 541 per mm3, and 3.04 ± 0.95 (P <.05 each for GI/GII, GI/GIII, and GII/GIII). Neuronal damage criteria, such as cytoplasmic condensation and cytoplasmic halo formation, were more prominent in GIII. Conclusion: SAH can lead to ischemia of the Onuf ’s nucleus–pudendal nerve structures due to urethral artery spasm, resulting in urogenital complications.