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Chandrababu K, Sreelatha HV, Sudhadevi T, Anil A, Arumugam S, Krishnan LK. In vivo neural tissue engineering using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and fibrin matrix. J Spinal Cord Med 2023; 46:262-276. [PMID: 34062112 PMCID: PMC9987796 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1930369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multipotency of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) could be an advantage to regenerate tissues with multiple cell types. However, due to the hostile nature, trauma sites like spinal cord injury can augment the ADMSC differentiation into undesirable lineages. Immersing pre-differentiated neural progenitors in a biomimetic niche during delivery could guard them against any undesired differentiation or death. OBJECTIVE The study proposes using an insoluble cell-specific fibrin niche for in vitro differentiation of rat ADMSCs to neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Further, the study explores fibrin hydrogel for in vivo progenitor cell delivery, and that can aid post-transplant survival/differentiation. DESIGN The in vitro experiments analyzed for differentiation-specific markers to establish derivation of rADMSCs to rNPCs and rOPCs. The derived progenitors, tagged with fluorescent tracker dye were delivered in rat T10 contusion SCI using fibrin hydrogel. After 28 days, imaged the experiment site to determine cell survival, immunostained the tissues to identify differentiation of transplanted cells, and evaluated the effect of fibrin and cells on regulating the injury-associated immune response. RESULTS The study demonstrated fibrin niche aided stable differentiation of rat ADMSCs into neural progenitors. Fibrin matrix holds up the delivered progenitor cells in the SCI site. The H&E stained tissues revealed regulated cavitation, astrogliosis, and inflammation in test tissues. Progression of transplanted cells into oligodendrocytes upon delivering a mixture of rNPCs, rOPCs, and fibrin is evident. CONCLUSION Fibrin niche-based derivation of neural progenitors from ADMSC seems valuable for transplantation using fibrin hydrogel. It is a promising strategy for extensive study towards further development of translational stem cell-based neural replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnapriya Chandrababu
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Harikrishnan Vijayakumar Sreelatha
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Tara Sudhadevi
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Arya Anil
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sabareeswaran Arumugam
- Division of Experimental Pathology of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Lissy Kalliyana Krishnan
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Jarragh A, Shuaib A, Al-Khaledi G, Alotaibi F, Al-Sabah S, Masocha W. A custom-made weight-drop impactor to produce consistent spinal cord injury outcomes in a rat model. Transl Neurosci 2023; 14:20220287. [PMID: 37250141 PMCID: PMC10224629 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The main objective of this study is to design a custom-made weight-drop impactor device to produce a consistent spinal cord contusion model in rats in order to examine the efficacy of potential therapies for post-traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Methods Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24, 11 weeks old) were randomly divided equally into two groups: sham and injured. The consistent injury pattern was produced by a 10 g stainless steel rod dropped from a height of 30 mm to cause (0.75 mm) intended displacement to the dorsal surface of spinal cord. The neurological functional outcomes were assessed at different time intervals using the following standardized neurobehavioral tests: Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores, BBB open-field locomotion test, Louisville Swim Scale (LSS), and CatWalk gait analysis system. Results Hind limb functional parameters between the two groups using BBB scores and LSS were significantly different (p < 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the SCI group and the sham group for the hind limb functional parameters using the CatWalk gait analysis. Conclusion We developed an inexpensive custom-made SCI device that yields a precise adjustment of the height and displacement of the impact relative to the spinal cord surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jarragh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ali Shuaib
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Unit, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ghanim Al-Khaledi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fatima Alotaibi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Sulaiman Al-Sabah
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Willias Masocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Mandwie M, Piper JA, Gorrie CA, Keay KA, Musumeci G, Al-Badri G, Castorina A. Rapid GFAP and Iba1 expression changes in the female rat brain following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:378-385. [PMID: 34269213 PMCID: PMC8463994 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.317982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that rapid changes to supporting glia may predispose individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) to such comorbidities. Here, we interrogated the expression of astrocyte- and microglial-specific markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) in the rat brain in the first 24 hours following SCI. Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent thoracic laminectomy; half of the rats received a mild contusion injury at the level of the T10 vertebral body (SCI group), the other half did not (Sham group). Twenty-four hours post-surgery the amygdala, periaqueductal grey, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, lateral thalamus, hippocampus (dorsal and ventral) in rats were collected. GFAP and Iba1 mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. In SCI rats, GFAP mRNA and protein expression increased in the amygdala and hypothalamus. In contrast, gene and protein expression decreased in the thalamus and dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, Iba1 transcripts and proteins were significantly diminished only in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, where gene expression diminished. These findings demonstrate that as early as 24 hours post-SCI there are region-specific disruptions of GFAP and Iba1 transcript and protein levels in higher brain regions. All procedures were approved by the University of Technology Sydney Institutional Animal Care and Ethics Committee (UTS ACEC13-0069).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mawj Mandwie
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jordan A Piper
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gorrie
- Neural Injury Research Unit, School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ghaith Al-Badri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alessandro Castorina
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (LCMN), School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney; School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Telegin GB, Minakov AN, Chernov AS, Kazakov VA, Kalabina EA, Manskikh VN, Asyutin DS, Belogurov AA, Gabibov AG, Konovalov NA, Spallone A. A New Precision Minimally Invasive Method of Glial Scar Simulation in the Rat Spinal Cord Using Cryoapplication. Front Surg 2021; 8:607551. [PMID: 34336912 PMCID: PMC8320592 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.607551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, every year worldwide up to 500,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI). Various animal biomodels are essential for searching for novel protocols and therapeutic approaches for SCI treatment. We have developed an original model of post-traumatic spinal cord glial scarring in rats through cryoapplication. With this method the low-temperature liquid nitrogen is used for the cryodestruction of the spinal cord tissue. Forty-five Sprague Dawley (SD) non-linear male rats of the Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) category were included in this experimental study. A Th13 unilateral hemilaminectomy was performed with dental burr using an operating microscope. A specifically designed cryogenic probe was applied to the spinal cord for one minute through the created bone defect. The animals were euthanized at different time points ranging from 1 to 60 days after cold-induced injury. Their Th12-L1 vertebrae with the injured spinal cord region were removed "en bloc" for histological examination. Our data demonstrate that cryoapplication producing a topical cooling around-20°C, caused a highly standardized transmural lesion of the spinal cord in the dorsoventral direction. The lesion had an "hour-glass" shape on histological sections. During the entire study period (days 1-60 of the post-trauma period), the necrotic processes and the development of the glial scar (lesion evolution) were contained in the surgically approached vertebral space (Th13). Unlike other known experimental methods of SCI simulation (compression, contusion, etc.), the proposed technique is characterized by minimal invasiveness, high precision, and reproducibility. Also, histological findings, lesion size, and postoperative clinical course varied only slightly between different animals. An original design of the cryoprobe used in the study played a primary role in the achieving of these results. The spinal cord lesion's detailed functional morphology is described at different time points (1-60 days) after the produced cryoinjury. Also, changes in the number of macrophages at distinct time points, neoangiogenesis and the formation of the glial scar's fibrous component, including morphodynamic characteristics of its evolution, are analyzed. The proposed method of cryoapplication for inducing reproducible glial scars could facilitate a better understanding of the self-recovery processes in the damaged spinal cord. It would be evidently helpful for finding innovative approaches to the SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii B. Telegin
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Minakov
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr S. Chernov
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaly A. Kazakov
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena A. Kalabina
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasily N. Manskikh
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Asyutin
- Department of Spinal Neurosurgery, N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery, RF Health Ministry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Belogurov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander G. Gabibov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay A. Konovalov
- Department of Spinal Neurosurgery, N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery, RF Health Ministry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aldo Spallone
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NCL-Neuromed Institute of Neurosciences, Rome, Italy
- Department of Nervous Diseases, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Santi S, Corridori I, Pugno NM, Motta A, Migliaresi C. Injectable Scaffold-Systems for the Regeneration of Spinal Cord: Advances of the Past Decade. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:983-999. [PMID: 33523634 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, whenever is possible and as an alternative to open spine surgery, minimally invasive procedures are preferred to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI), with percutaneous injections or small incisions, that are faster, less traumatic, and require less recovery time. Injectable repair systems are based on materials that can be injected in the lesion site, can eventually be loaded with drugs or even cells, and act as scaffolds for the lesion repair. The review analyzes papers written from 2010 onward on injectable materials/systems used/proposed for the regenerative and combinatorial therapies of SCI and discusses the in vivo models that have been used to validate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Santi
- BIOTech Research Center and European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corridori
- Laboratory of Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy.,School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Motta
- BIOTech Research Center and European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Migliaresi
- BIOTech Research Center and European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
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Krupa P, Stepankova K, Kwok JCF, Fawcett JW, Cimermanova V, Jendelova P, Machova Urdzikova L. New Model of Ventral Spinal Cord Lesion Induced by Balloon Compression in Rats. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110477. [PMID: 33167447 PMCID: PMC7694490 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the variety of experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) currently used, the model of the ventral compression cord injury, which is commonly seen in humans, is very limited. Ventral balloon compression injury reflects the common anatomical mechanism of a human lesion and has the advantage of grading the injury severity by controlling the inflated volume of the balloon. In this study, ventral compression of the SCI was performed by the anterior epidural placement of the balloon of a 2F Fogarty's catheter, via laminectomy, at the level of T10. The balloon was rapidly inflated with 10 or 15 μL of saline and rested in situ for 5 min. The severity of the lesion was assessed by behavioral and immunohistochemical tests. Compression with the volume of 15 μL resulted in severe motor and sensory deficits represented by the complete inability to move across a horizontal ladder, a final Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score of 7.4 and a decreased withdrawal time in the plantar test (11.6 s). Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant loss of white and gray matter with a loss of motoneuron, and an increased size of astrogliosis. An inflation volume of 10 μL resulted in a mild transient deficit. There are no other balloon compression models of ventral spinal cord injury. This study provided and validated a novel, easily replicable model of the ventral compression SCI, introduced by an inflated balloon of Fogarty´s catheter. For a severe incomplete deficit, an inflated volume should be maintained at 15 μL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Krupa
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charles University, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Stepankova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jessica CF. Kwok
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - James W. Fawcett
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Dept. Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Veronika Cimermanova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (P.J.); (L.M.U.); Tel.: (+420-2)-4106-2828 (P.J.); (+420-2)-4106-2619 (L.M.U.); Fax: (+420-2)-4106-2706 (P.J. & L.M.U.)
| | - Lucia Machova Urdzikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.K.); (K.S.); (J.C.K.); (J.W.F.); (V.C.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (P.J.); (L.M.U.); Tel.: (+420-2)-4106-2828 (P.J.); (+420-2)-4106-2619 (L.M.U.); Fax: (+420-2)-4106-2706 (P.J. & L.M.U.)
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7
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Zhou XH, Li WT, Zhao BL, Bao ZR, Liu CH, Wu SQ, Xue HX, Liu YB, Han CH, Wang J, An LB. Design and Evaluation of a Novel Laminectomy Auxiliary Device Based on Rats. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2020; 28:621-628. [DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2020.2968610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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8
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Chen C, Yang Q, Ma X. Synergistic effect of ascorbic acid and taurine in the treatment of a spinal cord injury-induced model in rats. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:50. [PMID: 32002341 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-2032-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe damage, which causes functional alterations together with loss of autonomic functions, sensations, and muscle functioning. This injury leads to apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes, which further leads to dysfunction of the spinal cord due to axonal degeneration and demyelination. Taurine is non-proteogenic and an essential amino acid, which plays a major role in the growth and development of brain cells. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is found in various foods and is known to prevent scurvy. In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid and taurine against SCI-induced rats. The rats were divided into the following groups: sham, control, 100 mg/kg of taurine, 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid, and 100 mg/kg of taurine + 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. Treatment was continued daily for 45 consecutive days. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid decreased caspase-3, bax, pro-NGF, and p53 mRNA expression by more than 30% compared to individual treatments. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid reduced caspase-3 and p53 expression by 33.7% and 44%, respectively, compared to individual treatments. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid decreased mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) compared to the individual treatments of taurine and ascorbic acid. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid also significantly recovered altered antioxidant markers, and induced lipid peroxidation to near normal levels. In summary, apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased in SCI-induced rats treated with taurine and ascorbic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211 China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211 China
| | - Xinlong Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211 China
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9
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Ungerer G, Cui J, Ndam T, Bekemeier M, Song H, Li R, Siedhoff HR, Yang B, Appenteng MK, Greenlief CM, Miller DK, Sun GY, Folk WR, Gu Z. Harpagophytum procumbens Extract Ameliorates Allodynia and Modulates Oxidative and Antioxidant Stress Pathways in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury. Neuromolecular Med 2020; 22:278-292. [PMID: 31900786 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a deliberating disorder with impairments in locomotor deficits and incapacitating sensory abnormalities. Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp) is a botanical widely used for treating inflammation and pain related to various inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Using a modified rodent contusion model of SCI, we explored the effects of this botanical on locomotor function and responses to mechanical stimuli, and examined possible neurochemical changes associated with SCI-induced allodynia. Following spinal cord contusion at T10 level, Hp (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (water) was administered daily starting 24 h post-surgery, and behavioral measurements made every-other day until sacrifice (Day 21). Hp treatment markedly ameliorated the contusion-induced decrease in locomotor function and increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Determination of Iba1 expression in spinal cord tissues indicated microglial infiltration starting 3 days post-injury. SCI results in increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress product and proalgesic, which was diminished at 7 days by treatment with Hp. SCI also enhanced antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Concurrent studies of cultured murine BV-2 microglial cells revealed that Hp suppressed oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory responses, including production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipases A2, and upregulation of the antioxidative stress pathway involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and HO-1. These results support the use of Hp for management of allodynia by providing resilience against the neuroinflammation and pain associated with SCI and other neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Ungerer
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Jiankun Cui
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Tina Ndam
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Mikeala Bekemeier
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Hailong Song
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Runting Li
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Heather R Siedhoff
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Michael K Appenteng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - C Michael Greenlief
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Dennis K Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Grace Y Sun
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - William R Folk
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Zezong Gu
- Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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10
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Bamrungsuk K, Vattarakorn A, Thongta N, Tilokskulchai K, Tapechum S, Chompoopong S. Behavioral and histopathological studies of cervical spinal cord contusion injury in rats caused by an adapted weight-drop device. ASIAN BIOMED 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/abm-2019-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Models of spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by weight-drop devices to cause contusion have been used extensively, and transient behavioral deficits after thoracic injury have been demonstrated. The severity of the injury caused by the device should be mild enough to allow recovery.
Objective
To determine whether our adapted weight-drop device with a small tip can effectively induce mild hemicontusion at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra.
Methods
We divided 15 adult male Sprague Dawley rats into groups of 5 for the following treatments: sham (SH, laminectomy only), mild (MSCI) or severe SCI (SSCI). Behavioral tests and histopathology were used before (day 1) and after the treatment on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 to assess the injury.
Results
Rats with SSCI showed a significant somatosensory deficit on days 3 and 7 compared with rats in the SH group, recovering by day 14. In a horizontal-ladder test of skilled locomotion, rats with SSCI showed a significant increase in error scores and percentage of total rungs used, and a decrease in the percentage of correct paw placement compared with rats in the SH group. There was greater recovery to normal paw placement by rats with MSCI than by rats with SSCI. These behavioral deficits were consistent with histopathology using hematoxylin and eosin counterstained Luxol fast blue, indicating the degree of injury and lesion area.
Conclusions
Mild hemicontusion caused by the adapted device can be used to evaluate SCI and provides a model with which to test the efficacy of translational therapies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanyaratana Bamrungsuk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
| | - Anchalee Vattarakorn
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
| | - Namphung Thongta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
| | - Kanokwan Tilokskulchai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
| | - Sompol Tapechum
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
| | - Supin Chompoopong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University , Bangkok 10700 , Thailand
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11
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V. S. H, Krishnan LK, Abelson KSP. A novel technique to develop thoracic spinal laminectomy and a methodology to assess the functionality and welfare of the contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219001. [PMID: 31265469 PMCID: PMC6605676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the advantage of a novel technique employing a motorised dental burr to assist laminectomy over the conventional manual technique at T10-T11 vertebra level in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Twenty-four female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) conventionally laminectomised, (2) dental burr assisted laminectomised, (3) conventionally laminectomised with spinal cord contusion and (4) dental burr assisted laminectomised with spinal cord contusion. Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score, postoperative body weights, rat grimace scale (RGS), open cage activity and rearing was studied at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days postoperatively, and area of spinal tissue affected was evaluated histologically. Laminectomised and spinal cord injured rats from dental burr groups showed significantly more weight gain and less weight loss respectively in comparison with respective conventionally laminectomised groups at various time points. Significantly higher RGS score was noticed in conventionally laminectomised animals on Day 1 in comparison to burr assisted laminectomy and presence of pain was evident until Day 7 in the conventionally spinal cord injured group. BBB score did not differ between techniques, whereas laminectomy groups showed more resting time than spinal injury groups. High rearing score was significantly higher in groups which underwent dental burr assisted technique at various time points with respect to their conventional counterparts. This study suggests that the use of dental burr assisted technique to perform laminectomy will bring refinement by producing less pain, aiding in better recovery, removing procedural artefacts without affecting the outcome of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishnan V. S.
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lissy K. Krishnan
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Bio Medical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Klas S. P. Abelson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Duan W, Huang Q, Chen Z, Raja SN, Yang F, Guan Y. Comparisons of motor and sensory abnormalities after lumbar and thoracic contusion spinal cord injury in male rats. Neurosci Lett 2019; 708:134358. [PMID: 31269465 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rodent models of contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) are widely studied for the mechanisms underlying functional deficits after SCI. Yet, how does lesion level affect SCI-induced motor and sensory dysfunctions remains unclear. Using a computer-controlled impactor (Impact One™, Leica) and the same parameters (diameter, 2.0 mm; Speed: 4.0 m/s; Depth: 1.5 mm; Dwell time: 0.1 s), we produced contusions at mid-thoracic (T10) and rostral-lumbar (L2) spinal cord in male rats, and compared locomotor and sensory dysfunctions within the same experimental setting. The time courses of locomotor deficit were comparable between thoracic (n = 8) and lumbar (n = 7) SCI rats, but the severity was greater after thoracic SCI especially during the first week post-injury, as indicated by the lower Basso, Beattle and Bresnahan open-field locomotion scores. Both groups showed similar heightened avoiding response (hyper-reactivity) to mechanical stimulation applied at the hindpaws from day 21-56 post-injury, as indicated by decreased paw withdrawal thresholds. Compared to lumbar SCI, thoracic SCI induced a greater decrease of paw withdrawal latency in hot-plate test from day 28-56 post-injury. In contrast, lumbar SCI rats showed a greater reduction of avoidance threshold to mechanical stimulation at the girdle region, and larger overgroomed area than thoracic SCI rats at day 14 post-injury. Thus, thoracic SCI may induce greater motor deficits and hindpaw heat hyper-reactivity than did lumbar SCI. In contrast, lumbar SCI may elicit greater at-level mechanical hyper-reactivity and overgrooming behavior than thoracic SCI. Future study needs to examine the specific pathological changes underlying different dysfunctions in two SCI models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanru Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.
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13
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Innovative mouse model mimicking human-like features of spinal cord injury: efficacy of Docosahexaenoic acid on acute and chronic phases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8883. [PMID: 31222077 PMCID: PMC6586623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury has dramatic consequences and a huge social impact. We propose a new mouse model of spinal trauma that induces a complete paralysis of hindlimbs, still observable 30 days after injury. The contusion, performed without laminectomy and deriving from the pressure exerted directly on the bone, mimics more closely many features of spinal injury in humans. Spinal cord was injured at thoracic level 10 (T10) in adult anesthetized female CD1 mice, mounted on stereotaxic apparatus and connected to a precision impactor device. Following severe injury, we evaluated motor and sensory functions, and histological/morphological features of spinal tissue at different time points. Moreover, we studied the effects of early and subchronic administration of Docosahexaenoic acid, investigating functional responses, structural changes proximal and distal to the lesion in primary and secondary injury phases, proteome modulation in injured spinal cord. Docosahexaenoic acid was able i) to restore behavioural responses and ii) to induce pro-regenerative effects and neuroprotective action against demyelination, apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Considering the urgent health challenge represented by spinal injury, this new and reliable mouse model together with the positive effects of docosahexaenoic acid provide important translational implications for promising therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injuries.
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14
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Ahmed RU, Alam M, Zheng YP. Experimental spinal cord injury and behavioral tests in laboratory rats. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01324. [PMID: 30906898 PMCID: PMC6411514 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in some serious neurophysiological consequences that alter healthy body functions and devastate the quality of living of individuals. To find a cure for SCI, researchers around the world are working on different neurorepair and neurorehabilitation modalities. To test a new treatment for SCI as well as to understand the mechanism of recovery, animal models are being widely used. Among them, SCI rat models are arguably the most prominent. Furthermore, it is important to select a suitable behavioral test to evaluate both the motor and sensory recovery following any therapeutic intervention. In this paper, we review the rat models of spinal injury and commonly used behavioral tests to serve as a useful guideline for neuroscientists in the field of SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakib Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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15
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Spinal Cord Stimulation for Pain Treatment After Spinal Cord Injury. Neurosci Bull 2018; 35:527-539. [PMID: 30560438 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to restoration of bladder, bowel, and motor functions, alleviating the accompanying debilitating pain is equally important for improving the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Currently, however, the treatment of chronic pain after SCI remains a largely unmet need. Electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used to manage a variety of chronic pain conditions that are refractory to pharmacotherapy. Yet, its efficacy, benefit profiles, and mechanisms of action in SCI pain remain elusive, due to limited research, methodological weaknesses in previous clinical studies, and a lack of mechanistic exploration of SCS for SCI pain control. We aim to review recent studies and outline the therapeutic potential of different SCS paradigms for traumatic SCI pain. We begin with an overview of its manifestations, classification, potential underlying etiology, and current challenges for its treatment. The clinical evidence for using SCS in SCI pain is then reviewed. Finally, future perspectives of pre-clinical research and clinical study of SCS for SCI pain treatment are discussed.
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16
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Shuaib A, Bourisly AK. Photobiomodulation Optimization for Spinal Cord Injury Rat Phantom Model. Transl Neurosci 2018; 9:67-71. [PMID: 29967691 PMCID: PMC6024694 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) causes interruption along the severed axonal tract(s) resulting in complete or partial loss of sensation and motor function. SCI can cause tetraplegia or paraplegia. Both these conditions can have lifelong excessive medical costs, as well as can reduce life expectancy. Preclinical research showed that Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT), possesses reparative and regenerative capabilities that have the potential to be used as a complimentary or supplementary SCI therapy. Despite the promising effects of PBMT, there are still no standardized irradiation parameters (i.e. different wavelengths, power, fluence, irradiance, beam type, beam diameters, and irradiation time) and there is also a lack of standardized experimental protocol(s), which makes it difficult to compare different studies. It is, nonetheless, essential to standardize such irradiation parameters in order to provide better PBMTs. The aim of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the delivery of light in a 3D voxelated SCI rat model for PBMT using different irradiation parameters (wavelengths: 660, 810, and 980 nm; beam types: Gaussian and Flat beam; and beam diameters: 0.04-1.2 cm) using Monte Carlo simulation. This study also aids in providing standardization for preclinical research for PBMT, which will eventually translate into clinical standardization upon clinical research studies and results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shuaib
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait city, Kuwait
| | - Ali K Bourisly
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait city, Kuwait
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17
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Zeng Y, Han H, Tang B, Chen J, Mao D, Xiong M. Transplantation of Recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)189-Neural Stem Cells Downregulates Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Improves Motor Outcome in Spinal Cord Injury. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:1089-1096. [PMID: 29466323 PMCID: PMC5829538 DOI: 10.12659/msm.905264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes a rapid loss of motor neurons, leading to weakness and paralysis. Transplantation of neural stem cells is known to restore the neuronal activity but is inefficient due to limited regenerative capability and low rate of survival. There has been an emphasis on the use of growth factors along with neural stem cells (NSCs) to enhance the neuronal recovery. Transplantation of recombinant NSCs with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) might promote neuronal repair. This effect might be attributed to the reduced transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression following transplantation. Material/Methods NSCs were cultured from the embryos of Sprague-Dawley rats (E12.5). Four group of rats (n=10, each) were subjected to SCI and allowed to recover for 1 week. Recombinant VEGF-NSCs, normal NSCs and PBS were intrathecally administered to the rats. VEGF and TRPV-1 expression at mRNA and protein level was evaluated. ELISA was performed to determine the release of neurotrophic factors after the transplantation. Motor neurons and axons were counted and the motor behavioral outcome was assessed using the rota-rod test. Results VEGF-NSC transgene transplantation resulted in an enhanced neuronal repair and motor behavioral outcome compared to the normal NSCs transplanted group. VEGF-NSCs increased the release of neurotrophic factors and reduced the expression of TRPV1. Conclusions Recombinant VEGF-NSCs transplantation following SCI is more efficacious compared to normal NSC transplantation. This might also be related to a reduced pain in the process of recovery due to reduced TRPV1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Heng Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Bing Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Dan Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Min Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongfeng Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China (mainland)
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18
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Chen C, Zhang YP, Sun Y, Xiong W, Shields LBE, Shields CB, Jin X, Xu XM. An In Vivo Duo-color Method for Imaging Vascular Dynamics Following Contusive Spinal Cord Injury. J Vis Exp 2017:56565. [PMID: 29364252 PMCID: PMC5908407 DOI: 10.3791/56565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant vascular disruption at the site of injury. Vascular pathology occurs immediately after SCI and continues throughout the acute injury phase. In fact, endothelial cells appear to be the first to die after a contusive SCI. The early vascular events, including increased permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), induce vasogenic edema and contribute to detrimental secondary injury events caused by complex injury mechanisms. Targeting the vascular disruption, therefore, could be a key strategy to reduce secondary injury cascades that contribute to histological and functional impairments after SCI. Previous studies were mostly performed on postmortem samples and were unable to capture the dynamic changes of the vascular network. In this study, we have developed an in vivo duo-color two-photon imaging method to monitor acute vascular dynamic changes following contusive SCI. This approach allows detecting blood flow, vessel diameter, and other vascular pathologies at various sites of the same rat pre- and post-injury. Overall, this method provides an excellent venue for investigating vascular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Yan Sun
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University
| | - Wenhui Xiong
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Christopher B Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine;
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19
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Angiogenic microspheres promote neural regeneration and motor function recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33428. [PMID: 27641997 PMCID: PMC5027575 DOI: 10.1038/srep33428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined sustained co-delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) encapsulated in angiogenic microspheres. These spheres were delivered to sites of spinal cord contusion injury in rats, and their ability to induce vessel formation, neural regeneration and improve hindlimb motor function was assessed. At 2–8 weeks after spinal cord injury, ELISA-determined levels of VEGF, angiopoietin-1, and bFGF were significantly higher in spinal cord tissues in rats that received angiogenic microspheres than in those that received empty microspheres. Sites of injury in animals that received angiogenic microspheres also contained greater numbers of isolectin B4-binding vessels and cells positive for nestin or β III-tubulin (P < 0.01), significantly more NF-positive and serotonergic fibers, and more MBP-positive mature oligodendrocytes. Animals receiving angiogenic microspheres also suffered significantly less loss of white matter volume. At 10 weeks after injury, open field tests showed that animals that received angiogenic microspheres scored significantly higher on the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale than control animals (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that biodegradable, biocompatible PLGA microspheres can release angiogenic factors in a sustained fashion into sites of spinal cord injury and markedly stimulate angiogenesis and neurogenesis, accelerating recovery of neurologic function.
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20
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Tremoleda JL, Thau-Zuchman O, Davies M, Foster J, Khan I, Vadivelu KC, Yip PK, Sosabowski J, Trigg W, Michael-Titus AT. In vivo PET imaging of the neuroinflammatory response in rat spinal cord injury using the TSPO tracer [(18)F]GE-180 and effect of docosahexaenoic acid. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 43:1710-22. [PMID: 27154521 PMCID: PMC4932147 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition which affects millions of people worldwide causing major disability and substantial socioeconomic burden. There are currently no effective treatments. Modulating the neuroinflammatory (NI) response after SCI has evolved as a major therapeutic strategy. PET can be used to detect the upregulation of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a hallmark of activated microglia in the CNS. We investigated whether PET imaging using the novel TSPO tracer [18F]GE-180 can be used as a clinically relevant biomarker for NI in a contusion SCI rat model, and we present data on the modulation of NI by the lipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Methods A total of 22 adult male Wistar rats were subjected to controlled spinal cord contusion at the T10 spinal cord level. Six non-injured and ten T10 laminectomy only (LAM) animals were used as controls. A subset of six SCI animals were treated with a single intravenous dose of 250 nmol/kg DHA (SCI-DHA group) 30 min after injury; a saline-injected group of six animals was used as an injection control. PET and CT imaging was carried out 7 days after injury using the [18F]GE-180 radiotracer. After imaging, the animals were killed and the spinal cord dissected out for biodistribution and autoradiography studies. In vivo data were correlated with ex vivo immunohistochemistry for TSPO. Results In vivo dynamic PET imaging revealed an increase in tracer uptake in the spinal cord of the SCI animals compared with the non-injured and LAM animals from 35 min after injection (P < 0.0001; SCI vs. LAM vs. non-injured). Biodistribution and autoradiography studies confirmed the high affinity and specific [18F]GE-180 binding in the injured spinal cord compared with the binding in the control groups. Furthermore, they also showed decreased tracer uptake in the T10 SCI area in relation to the non-injured remainder of the spinal cord in the SCI-DHA group compared with the SCI-saline group (P < 0.05), supporting a NI modulatory effect of DHA. Immunohistochemistry showed a high level of TSPO expression (38 %) at the T10 injury site in SCI animals compared with that in the non-injured animals (6 %). Conclusion [18F]GE-180 PET imaging can reveal areas of increased TSPO expression that can be visualized and quantified in vivo after SCI, offering a minimally invasive approach to the monitoring of NI in SCI models and providing a translatable clinical readout for the testing of new therapies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00259-016-3391-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Tremoleda
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, The Blizard Institute, London, UK.
| | - O Thau-Zuchman
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, The Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - M Davies
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, The Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - J Foster
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - I Khan
- GE Healthcare Ltd, Amersham, UK
| | - K C Vadivelu
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, The Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - P K Yip
- Centre for Trauma Sciences, The Blizard Institute, London, UK
| | - J Sosabowski
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - W Trigg
- GE Healthcare Ltd, Amersham, UK
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21
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Zhang N, Fang M, Chen H, Gou F, Ding M. Evaluation of spinal cord injury animal models. Neural Regen Res 2015; 9:2008-12. [PMID: 25598784 PMCID: PMC4283285 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.143436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Because there is no curative treatment for spinal cord injury, establishing an ideal animal model is important to identify injury mechanisms and develop therapies for individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. In this article, we systematically review and analyze various kinds of animal models of spinal cord injury and assess their advantages and disadvantages for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Marong Fang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haohao Chen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fangming Gou
- Department of Medical Sciences, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingxing Ding
- Department of Medical Sciences, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, China ; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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22
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Evans TA, Barkauskas DS, Myers JT, Huang AY. Intravital imaging of axonal interactions with microglia and macrophages in a mouse dorsal column crush injury. J Vis Exp 2014:e52228. [PMID: 25489963 PMCID: PMC4275021 DOI: 10.3791/52228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury causes an inflammatory reaction involving blood-derived macrophages and central nervous system (CNS)-resident microglia. Intra-vital two-photon microscopy enables the study of macrophages and microglia in the spinal cord lesion in the living animal. This can be performed in adult animals with a traumatic injury to the dorsal column. Here, we describe methods for distinguishing macrophages from microglia in the CNS using an irradiation bone marrow chimera to obtain animals in which only macrophages or microglia are labeled with a genetically encoded green fluorescent protein. We also describe a injury model that crushes the dorsal column of the spinal cord, thereby producing a simple, easily accessible, rectangular lesion that is easily visualized in an animal through a laminectomy. Furthermore, we will outline procedures to sequentially image the animals at the anatomical site of injury for the study of cellular interactions during the first few days to weeks after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa A Evans
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University
| | | | - Jay T Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Alex Y Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University;
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