Journal of Veterinary Science  2013;14(3):329-335

doi:10.4142/jvs.2013.14.3.329

Improved rat spinal cord injury model using spinal cord compression by percutaneous method.

Wook Hun CHUNG 1 ; Jae Hoon LEE ; Dai Jung CHUNG ; Wo Jong YANG ; A Jin LEE ; Chi Bong CHOI ; Hwa Seok CHANG ; Dae Hyun KIM ; Hyo Jin CHUNG ; Hyun Jung SUH ; Soo Han HWANG ; Hoon HAN ; Sun Hee DO ; Hwi Yool KIM

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

balloon compression; laminectomy-free; magnetic resonance imaging; percutaneous spinal cord injury; rat

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Here, percutaneous spinal cord injury (SCI) methods using a balloon catheter in adult rats are described. A balloon catheter was inserted into the epidural space through the lumbosacral junction and then inflated between T9-T10 for 10min under fluoroscopic guidance. Animals were divided into three groups with respect to inflation volume: 20 microL (n = 18), 50 microL (n = 18) and control (Fogarty catheter inserted but not inflated; n = 10). Neurological assessments were then made based on BBB score, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology. Both inflation volumes produced complete paralysis. Gradual recovery of motor function occurred when 20 microL was used, but not after 50 microL was applied. In the 50 microL group, all gray and white matter was lost from the center of the lesion. In addition, supramaximal damage was noted, which likely prevented spontaneous recovery. This percutaneous spinal cord compression injury model is simple, rapid with high reproducibility and the potential to serve as a useful tool for investigation of pathophysiology and possible protective treatments of SCI in vivo.