Spinal Cord Lamina X is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Lamina X (also called the central gray matter or zone X) is a distinct region of the spinal cord that surrounds the central canal. This region is involved in visceral sensory processing, autonomic integration, and motor coordination[1]. Lamina X contains a heterogeneous population of neurons that play critical roles in transmitting sensory information from internal organs and coordinating autonomic functions[2].
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Cell Types |
| Brain Region | Spinal Cord |
| Location | Surrounding the central canal (central gray matter) |
| Segmental Distribution | Throughout all spinal cord segments (C1-S5) |
| Species | Human, Mouse, Rat, Primate |
Lamina X forms a cylindrical zone around the central canal, approximately 50-100 μm in diameter in rodents and proportionally larger in humans[3]. The region contains:
Lamina X contains diverse neuronal populations[4]:
| Cell Type | Marker | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Central Canal Neurons | Calbindin, Parvalbumin | Visceral afferent processing |
| Commissural Neurons | Dbx1, Pax6 | Bilateral coordination |
| Tachykinin Neurons | Tac1 | Nociceptive transmission |
| Somatostatin Neurons | SST | Modulatory functions |
| GABAergic Neurons | Gad1/2 | Inhibitory modulation |
Lamina X is a critical hub for processing visceral sensory information[6]:
Syringomyelia, a condition characterized by fluid-filled cysts in the spinal cord, frequently involves Lamina X[8]:
A form of spinal cord injury affecting the central region[9]:
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Age-related changes | Neuronal loss and gliosis |
| Ischemia | Selective vulnerability to hypoxia |
| Trauma | Central cord syndrome |
| Neurodegeneration | Autonomic dysfunction |
Targeting spinal cord circuits including Lamina X may benefit:
The study of Spinal Cord Lamina X has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Rexed B. (1952). The cytoarchitectonic organization of the spinal cord in the cat. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 96(3):414-495. ↩︎
Molander C, et al. (1989). The cytoarchitectonic organization of the spinal cord in the rat. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 289(4):603-633. ↩︎
Watson C, et al. (2009). The anatomy of the rat spinal cord. Spinal Cord. 47(9):690-699. ↩︎
Petkantchin R, et al. (2021). Cellular diversity in lamina X of the spinal cord. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 529(10):2657-2675 Antal M, et al. ↩︎
. (1991). Calbindin D-28k in the spinal cord of the rat: an immunohistochemical study. Neuroscience. 42(3):733-750. ↩︎
Ness TJ, Gebhart GF. (1990). Visceral pain: a review of experimental studies. Pain. 41(2):167-234. ↩︎
Kiehn O. (2016). Decoding the organization of spinal circuits that control locomotion. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 17(4):224-238. ↩︎
Milhorat TH, et al. (1994). Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia: a unified theory of pathogenesis. Neurosurgery. 34(2):286-294. ↩︎
Roth EJ, et al. (1991). The central cord syndrome. Spinal Cord. 29(8):525-537. ↩︎