We thank the Emory University Division of Animal Resources staff for veterinary care. Funding sources include: ALS Association, Department of Defense, and Neuralstem, Inc.

1. Animal Use
Procedures demonstrated herein have been approved by the Emory University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Female Gottingen minipigs weighing approximately 15-20 kg are used.
2. Anesthesia
Animals are fasted approximately 12 hr prior to surgery. Animal sedation and anesthesia induction consist of a cocktail of intramuscular Ketamine (35 mg/kg), Acepromazine (1.1 mg/kg), and Atropine (0.04 mg/kg). Animals are ...

<ol>
	<li>Usvald, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+dosing+regimen+and+reproducibility+of+intraspinal+grafting+of+human+spinal+stem+cells+in+immunosuppressed+minipigs.">Analysis of dosing regimen and reproducibility of intraspinal grafting of human spinal stem cells in immunosuppressed minipigs.</a> Cell Transplant. 19, 1103-1122 (2010).</li><li>Riley, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+spinal+cord+therapeutics+delivery:+stabilized+platform+and+microelectrode+recording+guidance+validation.">Targeted spinal cord therapeutics delivery: stabilized platform and microelectrode recording guidance validation.</a> Stereotact. Funct. Neurosurg. 86, 67-74 (2008).</li><li>Federici, T., Riley, J., Park, J., Bain, M., Boulis, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preclinical+safety+validation+of+a+stabilized+viral+vector+direct+injection+approach+to+the+cervical+spinal+cord.">Preclinical safety validation of a stabilized viral vector direct injection approach to the cervical spinal cord.</a> Clin. Transl. Sci. 2, 165-167 (2009).</li><li>Riley, J. P., Raore, B., Taub, J. S., Federici, T., Boulis, N. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Platform+and+Cannula+Design+Improvements+for+Spinal+Cord+Therapeutics+Delivery.">Platform and Cannula Design Improvements for Spinal Cord Therapeutics Delivery.</a> Neurosurgery. 69, 147-154 (2011).</li><li>Riley, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cervical+spinal+cord+therapeutics+delivery:+preclinical+safety+validation+of+a+stabilized+microinjection+platform.">Cervical spinal cord therapeutics delivery: preclinical safety validation of a stabilized microinjection platform.</a> Neurosurgery. 65, 754-761 (2009).</li><li>Raore, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cervical+multilevel+intraspinal+stem+cell+therapy:+assessment+of+surgical+risks+in+Gottingen+minipigs.">Cervical multilevel intraspinal stem cell therapy: assessment of surgical risks in Gottingen minipigs.</a> Spine. 36, 164-171 (2011).</li><li>Boulis, N. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Translational+stem+cell+therapy+for+amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis.">Translational stem cell therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.</a> Nat. Rev. Neurol. , (2011).</li><li>Riley, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intraspinal+Stem+Cell+Transplantation+in+ALS:+A+Phase+I+Safety+Trial,+Technical+Note+&#38;+Interim+Safety+Outcomes.">Intraspinal Stem Cell Transplantation in ALS: A Phase I Safety Trial, Technical Note &#38; Interim Safety Outcomes.</a> Neurosurgery. 71 (2), 405-416 (2012).</li><li>Boulis, N. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lumbar+intraspinal+injection+of+neural+stem+cells+in+patients+with+ALS:+results+of+a+Phase+I+trial+in+12+patients.">Lumbar intraspinal injection of neural stem cells in patients with ALS: results of a Phase I trial in 12 patients.</a> Stem Cells. 30 (6), 1144-1151 (2012).</li></ol>

Despite approval to proceed with the described technique in humans 7-9, critical questions remain to be answered in order for spinal cord therapies to succeed. A rigorous understanding of spinal cord tolerance to intraparenchymal injection is required to enable the planning and execution of trials developing therapies for demyelinating, degenerative, and traumatic spinal cord disease. Currently, there is no clear understanding of the number of injections that the large mammalian spinal cord can...

<table border="1">
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>Name of the equipment</td>
 <td>Company</td>
 <td>Catalogue number</td>
 <td>Comments (optional)</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Spinal Derrick </td>
 <td>Neuralstem, Inc.</td>
 <td></td>
 <td>Neuralstem, Inc. has purchased an exclusive license to this technology </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>MINJ-PD Microinjector pump</td>
 <td>Tritech Research, Inc. </td>
 <td></td>
 <td>Customized for this specific application </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Floating Cannula</td>
 <td>Neuralstem, Inc.</td>
 <td></td>
 <td>Custom-designed for this specific application</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

surgical technique for spinal cord delivery of therapies: demonstration of procedure in gottingen minipigs

This is a compact visual description of a combination of surgical technique and device for the delivery of (gene and cell) therapies into the spinal cord. While the technique is demonstrated in the animal, the procedure is FDA-approved and currently being used for stem cell transplantation into the spinal cords of patients with ALS. While the FDA has recognized proof-of-principle data on therapeutic efficacy in highly characterized rodent models, the use of large animals is considered critical for validating the combination of a surgical procedure, a device, and the safety of a final therapy for human use. The size, anatomy, and general vulnerability of the spine and spinal cord of the swine are recognized to better model the human. Moreover, the surgical process of exposing and manipulating the spinal cord as well as closing the wound in the pig is virtually indistinguishable from the human. We believe that the healthy pig model represents a critical first step in the study of procedural safety.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2">Tarlov Score</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0</td>
			<td>Paralysis, no movement</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>Perceptible tonus in the hind limbs, slight movement</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>Movement in the hind limbs, but unable to sit or stand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>Ability to stand and walk but ataxic and for short periods</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>Com...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Delivery of Therapies: Demonstration of Procedure in Gottingen Minipigs at JoVE.com

Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Delivery of Therapies: Demonstration of Procedure in Gottingen Minipigs

Short visual description of the surgical technique and device used for the delivery of (gene and cell) therapies into the spinal cord. The technique is demonstrated in the animal but is entirely translatable and currently being used for human application.

This is a  compact visual description of a combination of surgical technique and device  for the  delivery of (gene and cell) therapies into the spinal ...

surgical-technique-for-spinal-cord-delivery-therapies-demonstration

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

15.2K ビュー.  Emory University. 脊髄に（遺伝子細胞）治療​​の送達のために使用手術手技とデバイスの短い視覚的な説明。技術が動物で実証が、完全に翻訳可能であり、現在、人間のアプリケーションに使用されています。

ビデオ: Surgical Technique for Spinal Cord Delivery of Therapies: Demonstration of Procedure in Gottingen Minipigs

Short visual description of the surgical technique and device used for the delivery of (gene and cell) therapies into the spinal cord.  The technique is demonstrated in the animal but is entirely translatable and currently being used for human...

laminotomy for lumbar dorsal root ganglion access and injection in swine

Laminotomy for Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion Access and Injection in Swine

We describe a method for laminotomy in swine that provides access to lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for intraganglionic injection. Injection progress is monitored intraoperatively and histologically confirmed up to 21 days after surgery. This protocol could be used for future preclinical studies involving DRG...

a procedure for implanting a spinal chamber for longitudinal in vivo imaging of the mouse spinal cord

A Procedure for Implanting a Spinal Chamber for Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord

In this video, we describe a procedure for implanting a chronic optical imaging chamber over the dorsal spinal cord of a live mouse. The chamber, surgical procedure, and chronic imaging are reviewed and...

A Procedure for Implanting a Spinal Chamber for Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord

a minimally invasive, fast spinal cord lateral hemisection technique for modeling open spinal cord injuries in rats

A Minimally Invasive, Fast Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection Technique for Modeling Open Spinal Cord Injuries in Rats

Here, we describe a new, fast technique modeling open spinal cord injury in rats that eliminates laminectomy. Lateral hemisection is performed while viewing through a microscope. The technique is versatile and can also be used in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spinal cord of other...

development of combinatorial therapeutics for spinal cord injury using stem cell delivery

In this study, nerve-mimetic composite hydrogels were developed and characterized that can be utilized to investigate and capitalize on the pro-regenerative behavior of adipose-derived stem cells for spinal cord injury...

Development of Combinatorial Therapeutics for Spinal Cord Injury using Stem Cell Delivery

spinal cord neuron isolation: a density gradient procedure to isolate neonatal spinal cord neurons for in vitro studies

In this video we describe a step-by-step protocol to isolate spinal cord neurons from a neonatal mouse for in vitro...

Spinal Cord Neuron Isolation: A Density Gradient Procedure to Isolate Neonatal Spinal Cord Neurons for In Vitro Studies

surgical transplantation of tumor cells into the spinal cord of mice

Author Spotlight: Advancing a Reliable Murine Model for Spinal Cord Glioma with Precision and Reproducibility

The present protocol describes the development of a reproducible murine model of spinal cord glioma by injecting tumor cells into the intervertebral space, offering a more effective and less invasive approach for research and therapeutic...

Surgical Transplantation of Tumor Cells into the Spinal Cord of Mice

subretinal implantation of rpe on a carrier in minipigs: guidelines for preoperative preparations, surgical techniques, and postoperative care

Subretinal Implantation of RPE on a Carrier in Minipigs: Guidelines for Preoperative Preparations, Surgical Techniques, and Postoperative Care

The subretinal implantation of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases. However, the performance of preclinical studies on large-eye animal models remains challenging. This report presents guidelines for the subretinal transplantation of RPE on a cell carrier into...

Wash the samples sequentially in three 10-centimeter Petri dishes containing 5 milliliters of sterilized PBS for 10 seconds each to remove excess tissue. Subsequently, insert a 22-gauge needle and syringe filled with 5 milliliters of sterilized PBS into the caudal end of the spinal column and flush cranially, allowing the cord to exit into a fourth Petri...

long-term mouse spinal cord organotypic slice culture as a platform for validating cell transplantation in spinal cord injury

Author Spotlight: Long-Term Spinal Cord Slice Culture for Advancing Spinal Cord Regeneration Therapies

In this paper, we provide a reproducible method to generate and maintain long-term spinal cord organotypic slices transplanted with neural stem cells as an ex vivo model for testing cellular replacement therapies.

Long-Term Engraftment of h-SC-NES Cells in Spinal Cord Organotypic Cultures

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66704_b.jpg

surgical model for single-staged tissue-engineered urothelial tubes in minipigs

Author Spotlight: Innovative Approaches to Improving Outcomes in Reconstructive Surgery for Congenital Malformations and Acquired Conditions

Tissue-engineered implants for reconstructive surgery rarely progress beyond preclinical trials due to laborious ex vivo culturing, which includes complex and expensive scaffold components. Here, we present a single-staged procedure designed for urinary diversion with an accessible collagen-based tubular scaffold containing autologous...

Surgical Model for Single-Staged Tissue-Engineered Urothelial Tubes in Minipigs

contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging for assessment of spinal cord blood flow in experimental spinal cord injury

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging for Assessment of Spinal Cord Blood Flow in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound imaging is a reliable in-vivo tool for quantifying spinal cord blood flow in an experimental rat spinal cord injury model. This paper contains a comprehensive protocol for application of this technique in association with a contusion model of thoracic spinal cord...

transplantation of human sc-nes cells into organotypic slices for validating spinal cord regeneration therapies

Transplantation of Human SC-NES Cells into Organotypic Slices for Validating Spinal Cord Regeneration Therapies

a surgical model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in tibetan minipigs

A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs

The present protocol describes a step-by-step procedure to establish a minipig model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using descending aortic constriction. The methods for evaluating cardiac morphology, histology, and function of this disease model are also...

spinal shortening surgery for lumbosacral nerve bowstring disease: a surgical technique

Spinal Shortening Surgery for Lumbosacral Nerve Bowstring Disease: A Surgical Technique

Lumbosacral nerve bowstring disease (LNBD) is a syndrome comprising a series of neurological symptoms caused by high axial tension of the lumbosacral nerve due to congenital, iatrogenic, and other factors. Here, we introduce a surgical technique for the treatment of LNBD through spinal shortening...

spinal cord extraction: a protocol to isolate murine spinal cord for in vitro studies

In this video, we describe a step-by-step protocol to isolate spinal cord from a mouse model for in vitro...

Spinal Cord Extraction: A Protocol to Isolate Murine Spinal Cord for In Vitro Studies

Next, use forceps to raise the dermal flaps bilaterally and expose the subcutaneous tissue. Palpate the mouse skull until the craniocervical junction is identified. Use scissors angled perpendicular to the animal to cut through the cervical muscles and spine at the craniocervical junction. Then, dissect the spine caudally and use scissors to perform a complete caudal transection at the fifth lumbar...

a contusion model of severe spinal cord injury in rats

A Contusion Model of Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

A contusion model of severe spinal cord injury is described. Detailed pre-operative, operative and post-operative steps are described to obtain a consistent...

implantation of optoelectronic devices in the rodent spinal cord

Author Spotlight: Innovative Methodology for Implanting and Securing Neural Probes in the Rodent Spinal Cord

This protocol details a surgical procedure for performing spinal cord surgery and for implanting and securing an optical shank over the spinal cord in...

Implantation of Optoelectronic Devices in the Rodent Spinal Cord

Acute and Chronic Tactile Sensory Testing after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs sensory systems causing allodynia1-8. To identify cellular and molecular causes of allodynia, sensitive and valid sensory testing in rat SCI models is needed. However, until recently, no single testing approach had been validated for SCI so that standardized methods have not been implemented across labs. Additionally, available testing methods could not be implemented acutely or when severe motor impairments existed, preventing studies of the development of SCI-induced allodynia3. Here we present two validated sensory testing methods using von Frey Hair (VFH) monofilaments which quantify changes in tactile sensory thresholds after SCI4-5. One test is the well-established Up-Down test which demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity across different SCI severities when tested chronically5. The other test is a newly-developed dorsal VFH test that can be applied acutely after SCI when allodynia develops, prior to motor recovery4-5. Each VFH monofilament applies a calibrated force when touched to the skin of the hind paw until it bends. In the up-down method, alternating VFHs of higher or lower forces are used on the plantar L5 dermatome to delineate flexor withdrawal thresholds. Successively higher forces are applied until withdrawal occurs then lower force VFHs are used until withdrawal ceases. The tactile threshold reflects the force required to elicit withdrawal in 50% of the stimuli. For the new test, each VFH is applied to the dorsal L5 dermatome of the paw while the rat is supported by the examiner. The VFH stimulation occurs in ascending order of force until at least 2 of 3 applications at a given force produces paw withdrawal. Tactile sensory threshold is the lowest force to elicit withdrawal 66% of the time. Acclimation, testing and scoring procedures are described. Aberrant trials that require a retest and typical trials are defined. Animal use was approved by Ohio State University Animal Care and Use Committee.

We describe two tactile sensory testing methods for acute or chronic periods of spinal cord injury in rats. These validated procedures can detect the development and maintenance of allodynia-like sensations.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs sensory systems causing allodynia1-8. To identify cellular and molecular causes of allodynia, sensitive and valid sensory ...

The translational potential of novel treatments should be investigated in severe spinal cord injury (SCI) contusion models. A detailed methodology is described to obtain a consistent model of severe SCI. Use of a stereotactic frame and computer controlled impactor allows for creation of reproducible injury. Hypothermia and urinary tract infection pose significant challenges in the post-operative period. Careful monitoring of animals with daily weight recording and bladder expression allows for early detection of post-operative complications. The functional results of this contusion model are equivalent to transection models. The contusion model can be utilized to evaluate the efficacy of both neuroprotective and neuroregenerative approaches.

A contusion model of severe spinal cord injury is described. Detailed pre-operative, operative and post-operative steps are described to obtain a consistent model.

The translational potential of novel treatments should be investigated in severe spinal cord injury (SCI) contusion models. A detailed methodology is ...

Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury

Every year over a million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Combined with the incidence of TBIs worldwide, the physical, emotional, social, and economical effects are staggering. Therefore, further research into the effects of TBI and effective treatments is necessary. The controlled cortical impact (CCI) model induces traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild to severe. This method uses a rigid impactor to deliver mechanical energy to an intact dura exposed following a craniectomy. Impact is made under precise parameters at a set velocity to achieve a pre-determined deformation depth. Although other TBI models, such as weight drop and fluid percussion, exist, CCI is more accurate, easier to control, and most importantly, produces traumatic brain injuries similar to those seen in humans. However, no TBI model is currently able to reproduce pathological changes identical to those seen in human patients. The CCI model allows investigation into the short-term and long-term effects of TBI, such as neuronal death, memory deficits, and cerebral edema, as well as potential therapeutic treatments for TBI.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) remain a serious health problem. Using the controlled cortical impact surgery model, research on the effects of TBI and possible treatment methods may be performed.

Every year over a million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Combined with the incidence of TBIs worldwide, the physical, emotional, ...

A Radio-telemetric System to Monitor Cardiovascular Function in Rats with Spinal Cord Transection and Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Grafts

High thoracic or cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to cardiovascular dysfunction. To monitor cardiovascular parameters, we implanted a catheter connected to a radio transmitter into the femoral artery of rats that underwent a T4 spinal cord transection with or without grafting of embryonic brainstem-derived neural stem cells expressing green fluorescent protein. Compared to other methods such as cannula insertion or tail-cuff, telemetry is advantageous to continuously monitor blood pressure and heart rate in freely moving animals. It is also capable of long term multiple data acquisitions. In spinal cord injured rats, basal cardiovascular data under unrestrained condition and autonomic dysreflexia in response to colorectal distension were successfully recorded. In addition, cardiovascular parameters before and after SCI can be compared in the same rat if a transmitter is implanted before a spinal cord transection. One limitation of the described telemetry procedure is that implantation in the femoral artery may influence the blood supply to the ipsilateral hindlimb.

We present a protocol for using a radio-telemetric system to record cardiovascular parameters in T4 spinal cord transected rats eight weeks after embryonic brainstem neural stem cell grafting into the lesion site. Telemetry is an advanced technique to accurately evaluate cardiovascular function in conscious freely moving spinal cord injured rats.

High thoracic or cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to cardiovascular dysfunction. To monitor cardiovascular parameters, we implanted a catheter ...

Minimal Invasive Surgical Procedure of Inducing Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Myocardial infarction still remains the main cause of death in western countries, despite considerable progress in the stent development area in the last decades. For clarification of the underlying mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic strategies, the availability of valid animal models are mandatory. Since we need new insights into pathomechanisms of cardiovascular diseases under in vivo conditions to combat myocardial infarction, the validity of the animal model is a crucial aspect. However, protection of animals are highly relevant in this context. Therefore, we establish a minimally invasive and simple model of myocardial infarction in mice, which assures a high reproducibility and survival rate of animals. Thus, this models fulfils the requirements of the 3R principle (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction) for animal experiments and assure the scientific information needed for further developing of therapeutical strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

A highly reproducible model for myocardial infarction in mice with minimal invasive manipulations is described. The model can be easily performed, resulting in a high reproducibility and survival rate. Thus, the described model will reduce the number of required animals as requested by the 3R principle (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction).

Myocardial infarction still remains the main cause of death in western countries, despite considerable progress in the stent development area in the last ...

Calibrated Forceps Model of Spinal Cord Compression Injury

Compression injuries of the murine spinal cord are valuable animal models for the study of spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal regenerative therapy. The calibrated forceps model of compression injury is a convenient, low cost, and very reproducible animal model for SCI. We used a pair of modified forceps in accordance with the method published by Plemel et al. (2008) to laterally compress the spinal cord to a distance of 0.35 mm. In this video, we will demonstrate a dorsal laminectomy to expose the spinal cord, followed by compression of the spinal cord with the modified forceps. In the video, we will also address issues related to the care of paraplegic laboratory animals. This injury model produces mice that exhibit impairment in sensation, as well as impaired hindlimb locomotor function. Furthermore, this method of injury produces consistent aberrations in the pathology of the SCI, as determined by immunohistochemical methods. After watching this video, viewers should be able to determine the necessary supplies and methods for producing SCI of various severities in the mouse for studies on SCI and/or treatments designed to mitigate impairment after injury.

Spinal cord injury models should be highly reproducible. We demonstrate that the calibrated forceps compression model of spinal cord injury is an easy to use surgical method for generating reproducible injuries to the murine spinal cord.

Compression injuries of the murine spinal cord are valuable animal models for the study of spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal regenerative therapy. The ...

Reduced spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) (i.e., ischemia) plays a key role in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) pathophysiology and is accordingly an important target for neuroprotective therapies. Although several techniques have been described to assess SCBF, they all have significant limitations. To overcome the latter, we propose the use of real-time contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEU). Here we describe the application of this technique in a rat contusion model of SCI. A jugular catheter is first implanted for the repeated injection of contrast agent, a sodium chloride solution of sulphur hexafluoride encapsulated microbubbles. The spine is then stabilized with a custom-made 3D-frame and the spinal cord dura mater is exposed by a laminectomy at ThIX-ThXII. The ultrasound probe is then positioned at the posterior aspect of the dura mater (coated with ultrasound gel). To assess baseline SCBF, a single intravenous injection (400 &#181;l) of contrast agent is applied to record its passage through the intact spinal cord microvasculature. A weight-drop device is subsequently used to generate a reproducible experimental contusion model of SCI. Contrast agent is re-injected 15 min following the injury to assess post-SCI SCBF changes. CEU allows for real time and in-vivo assessment of SCBF changes following SCI. In the uninjured animal, ultrasound imaging showed uneven blood flow along the intact spinal cord. Furthermore, 15 min post-SCI, there was critical ischemia at the level of the epicenter while SCBF remained preserved in the more remote intact areas. In the regions adjacent to the epicenter (both rostral and caudal), SCBF was significantly reduced. This corresponds to the previously described &#8220;ischemic penumbra zone&#8221;. This tool is of major interest for assessing the effects of therapies aimed at limiting ischemia and the resulting tissue necrosis subsequent to SCI.

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound imaging is a reliable in-vivo tool for quantifying spinal cord blood flow in an experimental rat spinal cord injury model. This paper contains a comprehensive protocol for application of this technique in association with a contusion model of thoracic spinal cord injury.

Reduced spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) (i.e., ischemia) plays a key role in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) pathophysiology and is accordingly an ...

The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell Degeneration

Investigators have utilized a wide array of animal models and investigative techniques to study the mammalian auditory system. Much of the basic research involving the cochlea and its associated neural pathways entails exposure of model cochleae to a variety of ototoxic agents. This allows investigators to study the effects of targeted damage to cochlear structures, and in some cases, the self-repair or regeneration of those structures. Various techniques exist for delivery of ototoxic agents to the cochlea. When selecting a particular technique, investigators must consider a number of factors, including the induction of inadvertent systemic toxicity, the amount of cochlear damage produced by the surgical procedure itself, the type of lesion desired, animal survivability, and reproducibility/reliability of results. Currently established techniques include parenteral injection, intra-peritoneal injection, trans-tympanic injection, endolymphatic sac injection, and cochleostomy with perilymphatic perfusion. Each of these methods has been successfully utilized and is well described in the literature; yet, each has various shortcomings. Here, we present a technique for topical application of ototoxic agents directly to the round window niche. This technique is non-invasive to inner ear structures, produces rapid onset of reliably targeted lesions, avoids systemic toxicity, and allows for an intra-animal control (the contra-lateral ear). Results stemming from this approach have helped deeper understanding of auditory pathophysiology, cochlear cell degeneration, and regenerative capacity in response to an acute injury. Future investigations may use this method to conduct interventional studies involving gene therapy and stem cell transplantation to combat hearing loss.

Various methods exist for introducing ototoxic agents to the cochleae of animal models. Presented is a surgical protocol for delivery of ototoxic agents to the round window niche. The procedure is reliable, creates targeted intra-cochlear lesions, and avoids mechanical damage to the microarchitecture. Examination of cochlear self-repair/regeneration is possible.

Investigators have utilized a wide array of animal models and investigative techniques to study the mammalian auditory system. Much of the basic research ...

A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model

Spinal cord injury (SCI) typically causes devastating neurological deficits, particularly through damage to fibers descending from the brain to the spinal cord. A major current area of research is focused on the mechanisms of adaptive plasticity that underlie spontaneous or induced functional recovery following SCI. Spontaneous functional recovery is reported to be greater early in life, raising interesting questions about how adaptive plasticity changes as the spinal cord develops. To facilitate investigation of this dynamic, we have developed a SCI model in the neonatal mouse. The model has relevance for pediatric SCI, which is too little studied. Because neural plasticity in the adult involves some of the same mechanisms as neural plasticity in early life1, this model may potentially have some relevance also for adult SCI. Here we describe the entire procedure for generating a reproducible spinal cord compression (SCC) injury in the neonatal mouse as early as postnatal (P) day 1. SCC is achieved by performing a laminectomy at a given spinal level (here described at thoracic levels 9-11) and then using a modified Yasargil aneurysm mini-clip to rapidly compress and decompress the spinal cord. As previously described, the injured neonatal mice can be tested for behavioral deficits or sacrificed for ex vivo physiological analysis of synaptic connectivity using electrophysiological and high-throughput optical recording techniques1. Earlier and ongoing studies using behavioral and physiological assessment have demonstrated a dramatic, acute impairment of hindlimb motility followed by a complete functional recovery within 2 weeks, and the first evidence of changes in functional circuitry at the level of identified descending synaptic connections1.

This article describes a method for generating a reproducible spinal cord compression injury (SCI) in the neonatal mouse. The model provides an advantageous platform for studying mechanisms of adaptive plasticity that underlie spontaneous functional recovery.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) typically causes devastating neurological deficits, particularly through damage to fibers descending from the brain to the spinal ...

Evaluation of Coronary Flow Reserve After Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. After an acute myocardial infarction, early and successful myocardial intervention via recanalization of the coronary artery is the most effective strategy for reducing the size of ischemic myocardium. The coronary microvasculature cannot be visualized and imaged&#160;in vivo, but there are several invasive and noninvasive techniques that can be used to assess parameters which depend directly on coronary microvascular function. The endothelial function after ischemia reperfusion can be assessed also at the level of the coronary circulation via the coronary flow reserve (CFR).&#160;In this study, peak velocity of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries was measured in rats in vivo via Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography during resting and stress challenge (induced by Dobutamine). A normal heart can increase its coronary blood flow up to four times above the resting values during stress induction. Following ischemia reperfusion, we found a significantly diminished CFR, which can be used as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction. CFR has opened a window on the importance of microvascular dysfunction and has been shown to predict cardiovascular risk independent of whether the severe obstructive disease is present.

Coronary flow reserve (CFR), is defined as the ratio of maximal coronary blood flow to the resting coronary blood flow. We present a protocol for evaluating CFR in rats via ultrasound, which offers the opportunity to predict cardiovascular risk factors in the absence of obstructive coronary disease.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. After an acute myocardial infarction, early and successful myocardial intervention via ...