TY - JOUR
T1 - The existence of hypoglossal root ganglion cells in adult humans
T2 - Potential clinical implications
AU - Tubbs, R. Shane
AU - El-Zammar, Diala
AU - Rogers, Mark E.
AU - Kelly, David R.
AU - Lott, Robert
AU - Chua, Gina D.
AU - Shoja, Mohammadali M.
AU - Loukas, Marios
AU - Oakes, W. Jerry
AU - Cohen-Gadol, Aaron A.
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Introduction: Ganglion cells of the hypoglossal nerve (HN) have been confirmed in certain animals but have been thought not to be present in man. To investigate for the presence of these structures in adult humans and if present, to verify their functionality, the present study was performed. Materials and Methods: We harvested adult cadaveric HN and observed for ganglion cells. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on all specimens. Results: Ganglion cells were found in 33% of specimens. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that these ganglia were sympathetic in nature. Based on our findings, ganglion cells do exist in the human HN although they are located sporadically and are found inconstantly. Conclusions: Such information may be valuable in elucidating other functions of the HN and may aid in the histological diagnosis of this nerve. Additionally, pathology involving HN such as paragangliomas, are supported by our findings of the presence of autonomic ganglion cells in some HN specimens.
AB - Introduction: Ganglion cells of the hypoglossal nerve (HN) have been confirmed in certain animals but have been thought not to be present in man. To investigate for the presence of these structures in adult humans and if present, to verify their functionality, the present study was performed. Materials and Methods: We harvested adult cadaveric HN and observed for ganglion cells. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on all specimens. Results: Ganglion cells were found in 33% of specimens. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that these ganglia were sympathetic in nature. Based on our findings, ganglion cells do exist in the human HN although they are located sporadically and are found inconstantly. Conclusions: Such information may be valuable in elucidating other functions of the HN and may aid in the histological diagnosis of this nerve. Additionally, pathology involving HN such as paragangliomas, are supported by our findings of the presence of autonomic ganglion cells in some HN specimens.
KW - Autonomic nervous system
KW - Cranial nerve
KW - Hypoglossal nerve
KW - Sympathetic fibers
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/60949101463
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/60949101463#tab=citedBy
U2 - 10.1007/s00276-008-0422-6
DO - 10.1007/s00276-008-0422-6
M3 - Article
C2 - 18853085
AN - SCOPUS:60949101463
SN - 0930-1038
VL - 31
SP - 173
EP - 176
JO - Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
JF - Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy
IS - 3
ER -