Figure 2

Relay-interaction of the immune system and the central nervous system. Legend: Groups for primary comparison in relation to the major sympathetic outflow (vegetative innervation). In Group I (SCI of the neurological level T4 or above) the lesion is localized within the spinal segments C2-T5, resulting in a disturbance of the sympathetic innervation of immunologically relevant organs through the coeliac ganglion and further ganglia connected through lower segments of the spinal cord. Of note, the neurological level is defined by the ISNCSCI as the most cranial segment with normal sensory function and a muscle grade of at least 3/5 with normal function in the segments above on both sides of the body, i.e. in case of a neurological level T4, the lesion begins in the segment T5. In Group II (SCI of the neurological level T5 or below) the lesion is located in the spinal segment T6 or below. Thus, the sympathetic outflow to the coeliac ganglion is expected being only partially disrupted or completely preserved. Group III consists of patients with vertebral fracture alone without injury to the spinal cord (control). Here, the sympathetic innervation is intact.