A progressive compression model of thoracic spinal cord injury in mice: function assessment and pathological changes in spinal cord

Neural Regeneration Research, 2017 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.213693 · Published: August 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study developed a mouse model for chronic spinal cord compression, similar to injuries caused by spinal stenosis in humans. A small screw was inserted into the spine of mice, and tightened gradually over several weeks to mimic the slow compression of the spinal cord. The mice's walking ability and changes in their spinal cord tissue were then analyzed to understand the effects of this compression.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

48 adult wild-type C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Hindlimb function worsened progressively with increasing spinal cord compression.
2
The number of motor neurons in the spinal cord decreased as compression increased.
3
Astrocytes and microglia, types of brain cells, became activated and increased in number in response to the compression.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel mouse model for chronic progressive spinal cord compression, achieved through gradual tightening of a screw implanted in the spine. The model allows for the assessment of functional deficits, such as hindlimb dysfunction, and pathological changes in the spinal cord, including neuronal loss and glial cell activation. The findings suggest that this model can effectively mimic chronic spinal cord compression injury and provides a basis for further research into the mechanisms and potential treatments for this condition.

Practical Implications

Research Tool

Provides a reproducible mouse model for studying chronic spinal cord compression.

Therapeutic Development

Can be used to test potential therapies for spinal cord compression injuries.

Understanding Pathophysiology

Helps in understanding the mechanisms underlying chronic spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
Losses of subjects from acute SCI during surgery or loosening and displacement of the implanted screw.
2
Despite administration of antibiotics to prevent infection post-surgery, 2/42 animals were lost to serious infections.
3
Micturition and bladder function were not quantified.

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