Ischemia–reperfusion injury after spinal cord decompressive surgery—An in vivo rat model

Anim Models Exp Med, 2025 · DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12485 · Published: January 1, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Spinal Disorders Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study investigates spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury (SCII) following decompression surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Some patients experience no improvement or a decline in neurological function after surgery due to SCII. The study aims to establish an animal model to understand the mechanisms of SCII after decompression. Rats were divided into three groups: a DCM group (cervical compression), a DCM-D group (cervical decompression after compression), and a SHAM group (sham surgery). The rats underwent behavioral tests and blood flow monitoring. The spinal cords were examined for morphological changes and oxidative damage. The study found that decompression improved some functions but did not fully restore them to the level of the sham group. Decompression also led to increased blood flow and oxidative damage in the spinal cord, suggesting that reperfusion-induced injury may contribute to neurological decline after decompression.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

24 Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 3; Animal model study

Key Findings

1
Spinal cord compression led to abnormal mechanical pain and decreased forepaw grip strength in rats.
2
Decompression resulted in increased local blood flow in the spinal cord, indicating improved perfusion.
3
Higher levels of 8-oxoG DNA expression were observed after decompression, suggesting oxidative stress.

Research Summary

The study established a rat model of spinal cord compression and decompression to investigate SCII following decompressive cervical laminectomy. The model showed that spinal cord decompression leads to ischemic reperfusion and oxidative damage, potentially contributing to neurological deterioration after decompression. The findings suggest the model is suitable for analyzing the underlying mechanism of SCII following decompressive cervical laminectomy.

Practical Implications

Understanding SCII Mechanisms

The rat model provides a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms underlying spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury after decompression surgery.

Developing Targeted Therapies

Identifying oxidative damage as a key factor opens avenues for developing targeted therapies to mitigate SCII and improve patient outcomes.

Improving Surgical Techniques

The model can be used to evaluate and refine surgical techniques to minimize the risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury during spinal cord decompression.

Study Limitations

1
Gait data from rats with severe DCM symptoms was incomplete.
2
Laser speckle contrast imaging has limited detection depth.
3
The study did not fully address the chronic inflammatory response's role in 8-oxoG DNA production.

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