Journal article
Development and Characterization of a Novel Rat Model of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: The Impact of Chronic Cord Compression on Clinical, Neuroanatomical, and Neurophysiological Outcomes
Journal of neurotrauma, Vol.29(5), pp.1012-1027
03/20/2012
DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1709
PMID: 21561323
Abstract
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord impairment worldwide and is a risk factor for traumatic central cord syndrome. Despite advances in surgery, there are no effective neuroprotective treatments for CSM, which reflects a limited understanding of its pathophysiology. In order to develop therapeutic strategies, we have developed a novel rat model of chronic progressive cervical spinal cord compression that mimics CSM. A titanium-screw-based chronic compression device (CCD) was designed to achieve progressive cord compression at the C6 level. The CCD was fixed to the C2 and T2 spinous processes and a threaded screw was turned to induce compression. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=75) were divided into three groups: (1) sham (no compression, n=6), (2) mild compression (1.4mm stenosis, n=27), and (3) severe compression (2.6mm stenosis, n=42). Compression was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The area of spared white matter, extent of cord flattening ratio, and loss of neurons were assessed. Functional deficits were characterized using sensory-evoked potential (SEP) recordings, and with neurobehavioral tests: the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, inclined plane, paw grip strength, and assessment of mechanical and thermal allodynia. Micro-CT confirmed progressive canal stenosis. The loss of intact white matter and cord flattening were significantly greater in rats with severe cord compression, and the number of neurons was reduced at the epicenter of cord compression. With chronic cord compression there was a significant decline in locomotor function, forelimb function, trunk stability/coordination, an increase in mechanical allodynia, and impaired axonal conduction. The CCD model results in chronic and precise cervical cord compression. The compression is associated with mechanical allodynia and measurable neurobehavioral, neurophysiological, and neuropathological deficits. We anticipate that the CCD model will enable the investigation of translationally-relevant therapeutic strategies for CSM.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Development and Characterization of a Novel Rat Model of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: The Impact of Chronic Cord Compression on Clinical, Neuroanatomical, and Neurophysiological Outcomes
- Creators
- JangBo Lee - University Health NetworkKajana Satkunendrarajah - University Health NetworkMichael G. Fehlings - University Health Network
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of neurotrauma, Vol.29(5), pp.1012-1027
- Publisher
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc
- DOI
- 10.1089/neu.2010.1709
- PMID
- 21561323
- ISSN
- 0897-7151
- eISSN
- 1557-9042
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Krembil Chair in Neural Repair and Regeneration North American Spine Society Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/20/2012
- Academic Unit
- Neurosurgery
- Record Identifier
- 9984459633602771
Metrics
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