Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model

Bio-protocol, 2017 · DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.2337 · Published: June 20, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This paper describes a method for creating a contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) model in adult rats, which mimics the type of SCI commonly seen in humans due to accidents. The contusion model is useful for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms that occur after a spinal cord injury, such as demyelination and secondary tissue damage. The method involves using a weight-drop impactor to induce a contusion injury on the spinal cord of the rat, followed by post-operative care and analysis of the injury through histological staining and locomotor scoring.

Study Duration

6 Weeks post-surgery

Participants

Adult female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (225-250 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study details the surgical procedure for creating a reproducible contusion SCI model in rats using the NYU-MASCIS impactor.
2
Different impact heights (6.25 mm, 12.5 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm) result in varying degrees of locomotor impairment, with the 50 mm group showing paralysis and the 6.25 mm group demonstrating near-normal locomotion within 3 weeks.
3
Histological staining reveals that contusion injuries (50-mm height) lead to the loss of gray matter and sparing of white matter in the spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study outlines a detailed protocol for establishing a contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) model in adult rats, utilizing the NYU-MASCIS weight-drop impactor. The method aims to replicate the common type of SCI observed in humans, often resulting from motor vehicle accidents. The protocol includes precise surgical techniques, such as laminectomy and stabilization of the vertebrae, followed by controlled contusion induction using the impactor. Post-operative care and monitoring procedures are also described to ensure animal welfare and minimize mortality. The study also includes methods for data analysis, such as lesion volume assessment using histological staining (Luxol fast blue and hematoxylin and eosin) and locomotor function evaluation using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) open field score.

Practical Implications

Research Tool

Provides a standardized and reproducible animal model for studying the pathophysiology of contusion spinal cord injury.

Therapeutic Development

Enables the testing and evaluation of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting spinal cord repair and functional recovery after injury.

Understanding SCI

Facilitates a deeper understanding of the secondary injury mechanisms, demyelination processes, and inflammatory responses that contribute to long-term disability following SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on female Sprague-Dawley rats, and the results may not be generalizable to other rat strains or sexes.
2
The contusion model, while mimicking human SCI, may not fully replicate the complexity of traumatic injuries seen in clinical settings.
3
Long-term effects and recovery mechanisms beyond the 6-week observation period were not investigated.

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