Behavioral testing in animal models of spinal cord injury

Exp Neurol, 2020 · DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113410 · Published: November 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This review discusses the use of animal models in spinal cord injury (SCI) research, highlighting the challenges and advantages of different injury models and behavioral outcome measures. The authors offer strategies and advice on experimental design and behavioral testing, particularly for those new to the field of SCI research. The review emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when choosing animal models and behavioral tests to ensure reliable and clinically relevant results.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rodents

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Selecting the appropriate SCI model is crucial, involving consideration of injury type, location, and severity, aligning with the experimental question and outcome measures.
2
Behavioral testing is a pivotal element in SCI experiments, demanding reduced variability, increased reproducibility, sensitivity to treatments, and transparency.
3
Variability in behavioral testing can arise from various factors, including researcher bias, animal strain, environmental conditions, and stress, necessitating careful standardization.

Research Summary

This review provides guidance on using animal SCI models, sharing experiences, problems encountered, and conclusions drawn to aid researchers in preclinical studies. It covers injury models, behavioral testing focusing on motor function for thoracic and cervical lesions, and considerations for planning, executing, and analyzing experiments. The review addresses challenges like discriminating true recovery from compensation and the importance of rehabilitative training.

Practical Implications

Improved Experimental Design

Careful selection of injury models and behavioral tests, aligned with the research question, can improve the reliability and clinical relevance of SCI studies.

Reduced Variability in Testing

Standardizing testing procedures and considering potential sources of variability can enhance the reproducibility and statistical power of behavioral results.

Enhanced Clinical Relevance

Incorporating elements of the clinical setting, such as relevant treatment time points and comprehensive outcome measures, can improve the translational potential of preclinical research.

Study Limitations

1
The review primarily focuses on rodent models, which may not fully replicate the complexities of human SCI.
2
There is inherent difficulty in perfectly mimicking the clinical scenario in animal experiments, leading to tradeoffs in experimental design.
3
The subjective nature of some behavioral scoring systems (e.g., BBB) can introduce variability despite operational definitions.

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