Ameliorating Spinal Cord Injury in an Animal Model With Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation. Issue 6 (16th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Zhen-lin; Morykwas, Michael J.; Tatter, Stephen; Gordon, Stan; McGee, Maria; Green, Heather; Argenta, Louis C.
• Is Part Of: Neurosurgery. Volume 78:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 868
• Page End: 876
• Publication Date: 2016-10-16
• Subjects: BBB score -- Diffusion tensor imaging -- Magnetic resonance imaging analysis -- Mechanical tissue resuscitation -- Spinal cord injury -- Subatmospheric pressure treatment; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.48005
• DOI: 10.1227/NEU.0000000000001063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-396X

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major worldwide cause of mortality and disability with limited treatment options. Previous research applying controlled negative pressure to traumatic brain injury in rat and swine models resulted in smaller injuries and more rapid recovery. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the application of a controlled vacuum (mechanical tissue resuscitation [MTR]) to SCI in a rat model under several magnitudes of vacuum. METHODS: Controlled contusion SCIs were created in rats. Vacuums of −50 and −75 mm Hg were compared. Analysis included open-field locomotor performance, magnetic resonance imaging (in vivo T2, ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography), and histological assessments. RESULTS: MTR treatment significantly improved the locomotor recovery from a Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score of 7.8 ± 1.9 to 11.4 ± 1.2 and 10.7 ± 1.9 at −50- and −75-mm Hg pressures, respectively, 4 weeks after injury. Both pressures also reduced fluid accumulations > 10% by T2-imaging in SCI sites. The mean fiber number and mean fiber length were greater across injured sites after MTR treatment, especially with treatment with −50 mm Hg. Myelin volume was increased significantly by 60% in the group treated with −50 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: MTR of SCI in a rat model is effective in reducing edema in the injured cord, preserving myelin survival, and improving the rate and quantity of functional recovery.