Validation of the Fetal Lamb Model of Spina Bifida

Scientific Reports, 2019 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45819-3 · Published: June 13, 2019

Neurology Surgery Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study validates a fetal lamb model for spina bifida (SB) research. The researchers compared two surgical models (with and without myelotomy) to normal lambs. The myelotomy model best replicates the characteristics of non-cystic SB, including hindbrain herniation and loss of limb function. This validated model can be used to test new fetal therapies for SB.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

57 fetuses (lambs) divided into three groups: normal, non-myelotomy, and myelotomy

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The myelotomy model best replicates the anatomy, pathophysiology, and symptoms of non-cystic spina bifida (SB).
2
Lambs in the myelotomy group showed hindbrain herniation, ventriculomegaly, and posterior fossa anomalies, similar to human SB.
3
The non-myelotomy model did not consistently reproduce the complete pathophysiology and symptomatology of SBA.

Research Summary

The study aimed to validate a fetal lamb model for spina bifida (SB) research, comparing two surgical models (with and without myelotomy) to normal lambs. The myelotomy model best phenocopied the anatomy, etiopathophysiology and symptomatology of non-cystic SB. The non-myelotomy model resulted in a partial and heterogeneous phenotype of a lumbar L1–L6 SBA, i.e. a heterogeneous in utero lumbar spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Preclinical Testing

The myelotomy model can be used for preclinical testing of novel medical or surgical interventions for spina bifida.

Surgical Training

The model can be used to train fetal surgeons in fetoscopic techniques and other procedures for SB repair.

Understanding Pathophysiology

The validated model provides a platform for studying the pathophysiology of spina bifida and the effects of different interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Surgical inductions were not identical in the two groups.
2
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and susceptibility-weighted MRI sequences to detect subtle and acute hemorrhagic and ischemic brain changes could not be accomplished
3
histopathological protocols used in this research underwent a learning curve

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