Epidermal Nerve Fiber Length Density Estimation Using Global Spatial Sampling in Healthy Subjects and Neuropathy Patients

ABSTRACTAssessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) has become a useful tool for the investigation of patients with suspected small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). Here, we estimate epidermal nerve fiber lengths in 12 patients with SFN and 36 healthy controls using global spatial sampling and c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology 2013-03, Vol.72 (3), p.186-193
Main Authors: Karlsson, Páll, Møller, Anette Torvin, Jensen, Troels Staehelin, Nyengaard, Jens Randel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biopsy
Epidermis - innervation
Female
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Medical research
Middle Aged
Nerve Fibers - pathology
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - pathology
Ratios
Studies
Wound healing
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Summary:ABSTRACTAssessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) has become a useful tool for the investigation of patients with suspected small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). Here, we estimate epidermal nerve fiber lengths in 12 patients with SFN and 36 healthy controls using global spatial sampling and compare the lengths with IENFD and axonal swelling ratios. Skin biopsies were analyzed on 50-μm-thick free-floating sections immunostained for the neuronal cytoplasmic marker PGP 9.5. Mean IENFD in SFN patients was 2.22 ± 1.63 mm versus 7.51 ± 2.17 mm in controls; mean length density was 112 ± 82.6 mm in SFN patients versus 565 ± 240 mm in controls (p < 0.001 for both). The correlation between the nerve fiber length and the IENFD was r = 0.16 for healthy subjects and r = 0.39 for patients, suggesting that these variables provide different quantitative information. There were significant differences in axonal swelling ratios between healthy subjects and patients, that is, per IENFD and per nerve fiber length. Together, these results suggest that, although length estimation requires more time and additional equipment, it is as effective as IENFD in differentiating SFN patients from healthy subjects. Estimating nerve fiber length may increase mechanistic understanding beyond IENFD estimation and improve efficiency in diagnosing SFN.
ISSN:0022-3069
1554-6578
DOI:10.1097/NEN.0b013e318284e849