The CSF Creatine Kinase-BB Isoenzyme Activity in Experimental Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Model

Study Design: An investigation of creatine kinase (CK)-BB isoenzyme activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the rabbits after experimentally induced spinal stenosis.

Objectives: To create a lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) model at conus medullaris level without laminectomy in rabbits and to investigate the importance of CK-BB isoenzyme activity in CSF associated with electrophysiologic and histopathologic changes in the spinal cord.

Summary Of Background Data: LSS is a disorder characterized by leg pain and difficulty of walking. Narrowing of the spinal canal and compression on the spinal cord and nerves are the main features of spinal stenosis.

Methods: Fifteen male albino rabbits were used in this study. A reproducible, subacute LSS model was created in all rabbits, and CSF CK-BB activity was measured above and below the stenosis level. The electrophysiologic evaluation and the histopathologic examination of the conus medullaris were also performed in each rabbit.

Results: The CK-BB activity was 71.5% in CSF samples that were obtained below the stenosis. The activity was 44.5% in samples obtained above the stenosis and 43.6% in nonstenotic rabbits. In the electrophysiologic studies, the mean amplitudes were decreased and the latency values were lengthened in all ascending and descending nerve potentials at both sides of the stenosis. The number of the neural cells was decreased and imperception of the nucleolus of neural cells and vacuolar degeneration were observed in the histopathologic examination of conus medullaris.

Conclusions: The activity of CK-BB isoenzyme was increased in CSF of which the circulation was disturbed as a result of neural ischemia, which was accepted in the pathophysiology of LSS.