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An immunohistochemical study of human costotransverse joints
Author(s) -
Smith Michael P,
Sawyer Barbara,
Brismee JM,
Sizer Phil,
Dedrick Gregory
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.774.2
Subject(s) - anatomy , calcitonin gene related peptide , pathology , chemistry , biology , medicine , neuropeptide , receptor
The costotransverse joint (CTJ) is the articulation between the posterior tubercle of the ribs with the first through 10 th costal facet of the thoracic transverse processes. Anatomical description of the CTJ articulation verifies an extensive network of ligaments that are characteristic to other synovial joints. A few authors suggest the CTJ is a pain generating structure and a synovial joint. However, there is no histological evidence to suggest that the CTJ is a synovial joint or a pain generating structure. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is evidence of pain generating fibers (somatic and sympathetic) within the CTJ. In the current study, CTJ tissue from levels one through ten was obtained from two fresh cadavers and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. The fixed tissue was processed and embedded in paraffin, cut and mounted on slides. Immunochemical studies demonstrated immunostained neural elements in the CTJ using antisera against neuropeptide Y, substance P, and calcitonin gene‐related peptide. This study provides preliminary evidence for the hypothesis that the CTJ possesses immunoreactive features characteristic of a pain generating structure.