Di Wu2, Chao Zheng2, Ji Wu3, Jing Xue2, Rongrong Huang2, Di Wu2, Yueming Song4. 1. Department of Orthopedic, Da Lian Medical University, No. 9 Lushun South Rd, Liaoning 116044, China; Department of Orthopedic, Air Force General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Da Lian Medical University, No. 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China. 2. Department of Orthopedic, Air Force General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Da Lian Medical University, No. 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China. 3. Department of Orthopedic, Da Lian Medical University, No. 9 Lushun South Rd, Liaoning 116044, China; Department of Orthopedic, Air Force General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Da Lian Medical University, No. 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China. Electronic address: bjwuji@hotmail.com. 4. Department of Orthopedic, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A reliable experimental rabbit model of distraction spinal cord injury (SCI) was established to successfully simulate gradable and replicable distraction SCI. However, further research is needed to elucidate the pathologic mechanisms underlying distraction SCI. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the pathologic mechanisms underlying lumbar distraction SCI in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: This is an animal laboratory study. METHODS: Using a self-designed spine distractor, the experimental animals were divided into a control group and 10%, 20%, and 30% distraction groups. Pathologic changes to the spinal cord microvessels in the early stage of distraction SCI were identified by perfusion of the spinal cord vasculature with ink, production of transparent specimens, observation by light microscopy, and observation of corrosion casts of the spinal cord microvascular architecture by scanning electron microscopy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in the injured spinal cord tissue were measured after 8 hours. RESULTS: With an increasing degree and duration of distraction, the spinal cord microvessels were only partially filled and had the appearance of spasm until rupture and hemorrhage were observed. The MDA concentration increased and the SOD concentration decreased in the spinal cord tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Changes to the internal and external spinal cord vessels led to spinal cord ischemia, which is a primary pathologic mechanism of distraction SCI. Lipid peroxidation mediated by free radicals took part in secondary pathologic damage of distraction SCI.
BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A reliable experimental rabbit model of distraction spinal cord injury (SCI) was established to successfully simulate gradable and replicable distraction SCI. However, further research is needed to elucidate the pathologic mechanisms underlying distraction SCI. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the pathologic mechanisms underlying lumbar distraction SCI in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: This is an animal laboratory study. METHODS: Using a self-designed spine distractor, the experimental animals were divided into a control group and 10%, 20%, and 30% distraction groups. Pathologic changes to the spinal cord microvessels in the early stage of distraction SCI were identified by perfusion of the spinal cord vasculature with ink, production of transparent specimens, observation by light microscopy, and observation of corrosion casts of the spinal cord microvascular architecture by scanning electron microscopy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in the injured spinal cord tissue were measured after 8 hours. RESULTS: With an increasing degree and duration of distraction, the spinal cord microvessels were only partially filled and had the appearance of spasm until rupture and hemorrhage were observed. The MDA concentration increased and the SOD concentration decreased in the spinal cord tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Changes to the internal and external spinal cord vessels led to spinal cord ischemia, which is a primary pathologic mechanism of distraction SCI. Lipid peroxidation mediated by free radicals took part in secondary pathologic damage of distraction SCI.
Authors: David R Busch; Wei Lin; Chunyu Cai; Alissa Cutrone; Jakub Tatka; Brandon J Kovarovic; Arjun G Yodh; Thomas F Floyd; James Barsi Journal: J Neurotrauma Date: 2020-07-20 Impact factor: 5.269