Evaluation of the central canal of the spinal cord in experimentally induced hydrocephalus

Abstract

The central canal of the spinal cord was proposed as a significant compensatory alternative pathway of CSF flow in hydrocephalus. Ten dogs were made hydrocephalic by a relatively atraumatic experimental model that simulates the human circumstance of chronic communicating hydrocephalus. The central canal was studied by histopathology and compared with 10 normal control dogs. In both groups the central canal of the spinal cord was normal in size, configuration and histological appearance. In this experimental model dilatation of the canal and increased movement of CSF does not appear to be a compensatory alternative pathway.