Comparative neuroanatomy of the lumbosacral spinal cord of the rat, cat, pig, monkey, and human

Scientific Reports, 2021 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81371-9 · Published: January 26, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study created a high-resolution MRI atlas of the lumbosacral enlargement of the spinal cord in rats, cats, pigs, monkeys, and humans. The atlas quantifies and compares spinal cord segment sizes, cross-sectional dimensions, and the location of gray and white matter across species. The resulting atlas can be used to guide surgical planning, technology design for neuroprostheses, and precise delivery of cells or drugs into the spinal cord.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

6 spinal cord specimens from each of the studied species (total of 30 specimens)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The lumbar enlargement spans different spinal cord levels in each species: L3-S1 in rats, L4-S1 in cats, L3-S1 in pigs, L2/L3-L7/S1 in monkeys, and T12/L1-S1/S2 in humans.
2
The enlargements in pigs and humans are largest and most similar in size.
3
Rats have the largest lumbosacral spinal cord volume relative to their body mass, followed by cats, monkeys, pigs, and humans.

Research Summary

This study presents a high-resolution comparative atlas of the lumbosacral spinal cord in rats, cats, pigs, monkeys, and humans, detailing the location, length, cross-sectional area, and morphology of gray and white matter. The atlas serves as a reference for typical spinal cord anatomy in studies of spinal cord pathologies and injuries and guides the selection of appropriate animal models for research. The lumbosacral spinal cord of pigs is most similar in size to that of humans, followed by cats and monkeys, with rats having the smallest spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Surgical Planning

The atlas provides detailed anatomical information for planning surgical procedures targeting specific regions within the spinal cord.

Neuroprosthesis Design

The data can inform the design and development of spinal cord neuroprostheses, such as intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) implants, by providing species- and segment-specific knowledge of ventral horn location and dimensions.

Cell/Drug Delivery

The atlas can guide the precise delivery of cells or drugs into target regions within the spinal cord parenchyma for therapeutic interventions.

Animal Model Selection

Researchers can use the comparative data to make informed decisions about selecting appropriate animal models for basic and translational spinal cord research.

Study Limitations

1
The atlas was based on images of perfused spinal cord specimens which may have experienced some shrinkage due to the perfusion process.
2
The average age of the human donors was 83 ± 8 years, and age-related changes in spinal cord dimensions should be considered.
3
The focus was on the lumbosacral spinal cord, and future studies should investigate other regions of the spinal cord.

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