Protocol paper: kainic acid excitotoxicity‑induced spinal cord injury paraplegia in Sprague–Dawley rats

Biological Research, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40659-022-00407-0 · Published: November 2, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study introduces a method to induce spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats using kainic acid (KA), a chemical that causes nerve cell damage. This model is cheaper and easier to implement compared to traditional mechanical injury models. The method involves injecting a specific concentration of KA into the spinal cord of rats, which leads to paraplegia (paralysis of the lower limbs). The study details the surgical procedure, the necessary precautions, and post-operative care to ensure the well-being of the animals. This protocol aims to provide researchers with a reliable and cost-effective way to study SCI, understand its mechanisms, and develop potential treatments. It also highlights the importance of proper animal care to improve the quality of life and survival of the affected animals.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

10 adult (8-week old) male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Intraspinal injection of 0.05 mM kainic acid at a rate of 10 µL/min effectively induces spinal cord injury and paraplegia in rats.
2
The study determined the optimal dose and rate of KA administration to induce paraplegia while minimizing the risk of seizures, which can occur if the drug penetrates the brain.
3
Histological analysis revealed that KA-induced SCI resulted in distorted grey matter organization, neuronal damage, and albumin extravasation in the spinal cord tissue.

Research Summary

This research paper details a protocol for inducing spinal cord injury (SCI) in Sprague-Dawley rats using kainic acid (KA). The method involves a precise intraspinal injection technique to create paraplegia, mimicking clinical manifestations of SCI in humans. The study emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and reproducibility of the KA-induced SCI model compared to traditional mechanical injury models. It provides detailed instructions on surgical procedures, dosage, postoperative care, and locomotor evaluation. The results demonstrate that the KA-induced SCI model effectively produces paraplegia and alters motor neuron function, making it a valuable tool for studying SCI pathophysiology and potential therapeutic interventions.

Practical Implications

Cost-Effective SCI Research

Provides a low-cost alternative to expensive mechanical SCI models, making research more accessible.

Reproducible SCI Model

Offers a reproducible method for inducing SCI, ensuring consistency in experimental results.

Improved Animal Welfare

Highlights the importance of postoperative care, reducing mortality and improving the quality of life for laboratory animals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The protocol induces mild to moderate spinal cord injury (incomplete) only.
2
The method requires skillful personnel as the amount and rate of KA administration is very critical.
3
Respiratory arrest associated with seizure may increase the mortality rate.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury