Histological Findings After Aortic Cross-Clamping in Preclinical Animal Models

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol, 2021 · DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab084 · Published: October 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Neurology

Simple Explanation

This review studies the past 40 years of histological findings after open surgical repair in preclinical models. The main finding is that damage is predominantly in the grey matter of the spinal cord, although white matter damage in the spinal cord is also reported. Future research needs to examine the neuropathological findings in preclinical models after endovascular repair, a newer type of surgical repair used to treat aortic aneurysms.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, baboons, and sheep

Evidence Level

Level 5, Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Damage is predominantly in the grey matter (GM) of the spinal cord across most animal models.
2
White matter (WM) damage, including axonal degeneration and swelling, is also observed, though less frequently than GM damage.
3
The anterior grey matter horn is more frequently affected compared to the intermediate and dorsal grey matter.

Research Summary

This systematic review examines histological outcomes of spinal cord ischemic injury (SCII) models simulating aortic cross-clamping during open repair (OR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). The review found that animal experimentation of SCII is largely conducted in small animal models, while large animal models are utilized less frequently. The study highlights the need for consistent histological methodology and further research into neuropathological differences between OR and endovascular repair to improve therapeutic development for SCII.

Practical Implications

Improved Preclinical Models

Encourages the use of large animal models to better replicate human physiology.

Standardized Histological Methods

Emphasizes the importance of consistent and diverse histological staining techniques to accurately assess SCII pathology.

Targeted Therapeutic Development

Highlights the necessity of understanding molecular mechanisms to develop effective therapies for neurological injury following aortic repair.

Study Limitations

1
Analysis limited to aortic cross-clamp models, excluding other SCII induction methods.
2
Reliance on histological outcomes may not provide a holistic portrayal of spinal injury.
3
Potential bias in interpreting histological stains.

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