REGENERATION OF TRANSECTED VENTRAL ROOTS SUBMITTED TO MONOMOLECULAR FILTER TUBULATION (MILLIPORE) - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN CATS

Section of spinal lumbosacral ventral roots innervating the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles was performed in adult cats. Tubulation repair of identical ipsilateral root stumps (e.g. L7 to L7) with a monomolecular filter membrane (Millipore) was done. Divided lumbosacral ventral roots at one or two segments apart (notably L7 to S1 and L6 to S1) were also coupled together in order to study the potential for regeneration and establishment of non-physiological functional connections. After sufficient time for regeneration (15-30 weeks) and clinical observations, the reconstituted roots were studied by electrophysiological methods. Positive evidence of functional efferent neuromuscular reconnections was obtained in all 17 animals tested. A method suitable for bridging a cord transection and supplying motor activity to distal levels by approximating ventral roots from above and below the transection is suggested. The potential clinical applications of this procedure are mentioned with reference to their possible use in spinal lesions. © 1969.