Anatomical and neurochemical organization of the dorsal, lumbar precerebellar and sacral precerebellar nuclei in the human spinal cord

Abstract

Background and purpose

The dorsal nucleus (Clarke’s nucleus, D), lumbar precerebellar nucleus (LPrCb), and sacral precerebellar nucleus (Stilling’s sacral nucleus, SPrCb) are precerebellar nuclei of the spinal cord. This study investigates the cytoarchitecture and neurochemical organization of the D, LPrCb, and SPrCb nuclei in the human spinal cord.

Material and methods

Using Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for markers including calbindin (Cb), calretinin (Cr), parvalbumin (Pv), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD 65/67), and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), we analyzed sections from T1-T12, L1-L5, and S1-Co1 segments of a human spinal cord.

Results

Our findings reveal a diverse range of neuron sizes and morphologies within these nuclei, with multipolar neurons being predominant. The immunohistochemical analysis showed distinct neurochemical characteristics, with varying densities of the markers across the D, LPrCb, and SPrCb.

Conclusion

This study provides the first detailed characterization of these nuclei in the human spinal cord, highlighting their intricate organization and suggesting potential functional similarities. The comprehensive understanding of the neurochemical profiles of these nuclei lays the groundwork for future research into their roles in motor coordination and their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings underscore the importance of further investigation into the pathological changes occurring within the precerebellar nuclei to advance treatment and prevention strategies for related neurological disorders.