A novel mouse model of central cord syndrome

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.373718 · Published: April 20, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study created a mouse model to mimic central cord syndrome (CCS), a common spinal cord injury, by compressing the C6 spinal cord. The mice in the model showed symptoms similar to human CCS patients: impaired motor function in the front paws but retained function in the lower extremities. The model will allow preclinical research of CCS, and the gray matter in the central cord is most vulnerable to injury in CCS, leading to impaired motor function.

Study Duration

70 days

Participants

61 female C57BL/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The mouse model of CCS exhibited impaired motor function in the front paws while retaining basic motor and sensory functions of the lower extremities, mirroring the symptoms of human CCS.
2
Histological analysis revealed that the injury was mainly concentrated in the gray matter of the central spinal cord, with minimal impact on the white matter.
3
MRI scans showed hypointense signals at the lesion site, confirming the presence of injury, with the lesion area being smaller in the mild injury group compared to the severe injury group.

Research Summary

This study successfully established a novel mouse model of central cord syndrome (CCS) by applying controlled blunt trauma to the C6 spinal cord. Behavioral, histological, and MRI analyses confirmed that the model accurately replicates key characteristics of CCS, including selective motor impairment and gray matter damage. The developed model provides a valuable tool for future preclinical research aimed at understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of CCS.

Practical Implications

Preclinical Research Tool

The mouse model provides a valuable tool for studying the pathogenesis, potential treatments, and therapeutic interventions for central cord syndrome.

Understanding CCS Vulnerability

The finding that gray matter is most vulnerable to injury in central cord syndrome can guide targeted therapeutic strategies to protect and regenerate gray matter tissue.

Refining SCI Models

The development of this CCS model addresses the lack of clinically relevant models for bilateral cervical compression injury, enhancing the translatability of SCI research.

Study Limitations

1
Detailed investigation of injury and repair mechanisms was not performed.
2
Did not perform a detailed investigation of the injury and repair mechanisms involved.
3
Limited investigation of injury and repair mechanisms involved.

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