Chronic model of neurofibrillary changes induced in mature rabbits by metallic aluminum.

A slurry of aluminum powder injected into the brains of mature rabbits produced neurofibrillary changes in neurons of spinal cord and cerebrum similar to those produced by aluminum chloride, and with similar topography and rates of formation. The major difference observed with this preparation was that many rabbits survived several weeks or months before having any obvious seizures, compared to 2 to 3 weeks with aluminum chloride, and some survived with no obvious symptoms, apparently indefinitely (12 months being the longest time before sacrifice). This chronic animal model of neurofibrillary changes, induced in a mature nervous system, will allow better investigations of alterations in the biochemistry, pathology, behavior and cognition which may occur.