Unexpected Findings Challenge Previous Understanding of Spinal Cord Function
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have made a surprising discovery about the role of white matter in spinal cord function. This finding could lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurological diseases.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that white matter in the spinal cord produces robust signals in response to stimuli. This challenges the long-held belief that only gray matter plays a significant role in processing sensory information.
Anirban Sengupta, research instructor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and lead author of the study, explained, “In the spinal cord, the white matter signal is quite large and detectable, unlike in the brain, where it has less amplitude than the gray matter (signal).”
New Insights into Spinal Cord Structure and Function
The spinal cord consists of two main types of tissue: gray matter, which processes sensations and controls movement, and white matter, made up of nerve fibers that connect different parts of the nervous system.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the researchers detected blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) signals in the white matter of the spinal cord. These signals increased in response to vibrations applied to the fingers, particularly in the ascending nerve tracts that carry information from the spine to the brain.
This finding suggests that white matter plays a more active role in spinal cord function than previously thought. It may help explain how the nervous system coordinates complex movements and processes sensory information.
Why it matters: This research could lead to new approaches for treating spinal cord injuries and diseases like multiple sclerosis. By understanding how white matter contributes to spinal cord function, scientists may be able to develop targeted therapies that promote nerve regrowth and restore lost function.
The study also highlights the potential of using fMRI to monitor spinal cord activity and assess the effectiveness of treatments. Sengupta noted, “We will be able to see how activity in the white matter changes in different stages of the disease. [We] also may be able to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, including neuromodulation, in promoting recovery following spinal cord injury.”
While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings, they open up exciting new possibilities for treating spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. Future studies may explore how white matter activity changes in different disease states and whether it can be manipulated to promote healing and recovery.
