Quantitative assessment of motor neuron loss in equine motor neuron disease (EMND)

Equine Vet J. 1998 May;30(3):256-9. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04497.x.

Abstract

The mean number of motor neurons was assessed in the C7 spinal cord segment of 5 EMND and 5 control horses. Mean number per section in EMND horses was reduced significantly (P<0.001). The mean neuronal loss was estimated at 31%. Each of the 5 affected horses had a mean neuronal count below the 95% confidence interval for control horses. The statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was consistent in the cranial, middle and caudal thirds of the C7 segment (P<0.001). The results of regression analysis indicated an association between neuronal reduction in EMND horses and the duration of the disease when adjusted for age (P<0.001). This is the first quantitation of the neurodegenerative loss in EMND and it provides a clearer explanation for residual deficits in horses that survive EMND.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Count / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / pathology*
  • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
  • Horses
  • Motor Neuron Disease / pathology
  • Motor Neuron Disease / physiopathology
  • Motor Neuron Disease / veterinary*
  • Motor Neurons / pathology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology