Spinal Cord Injury Research in Mice: 2008 Review

TheScientificWorldJOURNAL, 2009 · DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2009.63 · Published: June 12, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an irreversible condition causing damage to myelinated fiber tracts that carry sensation and motor signals to and from the brain. SCI is also associated with gray matter damage and often life-threatening secondary complications. A variety of approaches, including advanced genetics and molecular techniques, have allowed a number of key findings in the field of secondary degeneration, repair, regeneration (including insights from peripheral nerve lesion models), metabolic dysfunctions, and pharmacological neuromodulation. This mini-review aims to provide the nonspecialist reader with a comprehensive description of recent advances made in 2008 using murine models of SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Murine models of SCI

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Two new mouse models of SCI using either graded forceps or Allen’s weight drop system were developed.
2
Immune cells and adult neural stem/progenitor cells promote functional recovery after SCI.
3
Netrin-1 is a critical regulator of adult spinal cord progenitor cells during development as well as after SCI.

Research Summary

The use of murine models of SCI has drastically increased in the last decade and, again, significant findings were made in 2008. Insights were provided into mechanisms underlying secondary degeneration and scar formation associated with Beclin-1, dendritic cells, interleukin-12, neutrophil infiltration, AQP4, isolectin B4, 5-LO inhibitors, EP, and PGD2. New murine models and molecular tools will likely continue to help scientists to understand further the complex pathological consequences of acute and chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

New Models for SCI Research

The development of new murine models, like the graded forceps crush model and adaptations of the Allen's weight drop system, provides researchers with more tools to study SCI.

Targeting Secondary Degeneration

Understanding the mechanisms behind secondary degeneration and scar formation opens avenues for therapeutic interventions to minimize tissue damage after SCI.

Neuromodulation for Functional Recovery

Exploring the modulation of spared neuronal networks distal to the injury site may lead to innovative strategies for promoting functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
Focus on murine models may not fully translate to human SCI.
2
Review limited to research published in 2008.
3
The field of secondary health complications after SCI has not previously attracted as many researchers as spinal cord repair and regeneration

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