Evaluation of the anatomical and functional consequences of repetitive mild cervical contusion using a model of spinal concussion.

Evaluation of the anatomical and functional consequences of repetitive mild cervical contusion using a model of spinal concussion. Exp Neurol. 2015 Jun 9; Authors: Jin Y, Bouyer J, Haas C, Fischer I Abstract Spinal cord concussion is characterized by a transient loss of motor and sensory function that generally resolves without permanent deficits. Spinal cord concussions usually occur during vehicular accidents, falls, and sport activity, but unlike brain concussions, have received much less attention despite the potential for repeated injury leading to permanent neurological sequelae. Consequently, there is no consensus regarding decisions related to return to play following an episode of spinal concussion, nor an understanding of the short- and long-term consequences of repeated injury. Importantly, there are no models of spinal concussion to study the anatomical and functional sequelae of single or repeated injury. We have developed a new model of spinal cord concussion focusing on the anatomical and behavioral outcomes of single and repeated injury. Rats received a very mild (50kdyn, IH impactor) spinal contusion at C5 and were separated into two groups three weeks after the initial injury - C1, which received a second, sham surgery, and C2, which received a second contusion at the same site. To track motor function and recovery, animals received weekly behavioral tests - BBB, CatWalk™, cylinder, and Von Frey. Analysis of locom...
Source: Experimental Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research