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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Induction of Complete Transection-Type Spinal Cord Injury in Mice
Published on: May 6, 2020
Time course of acute phase in mouse spinal cord injury monitored by ex vivo quantitative MRI
Manuel Gaviria1, Jean-Marie Bonny, Henri Haton
1Neuréva Inc.-INM, CHU St Eloi, 80 rue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, France. gaviria@neureva.com
Abstract:
During the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI), major alterations of white and grey matter are a key issue, which determine the neurological outcome. The present study with ex vivo quantitative high-field magnetic resonance microimaging (MRI) was intended in order to identify sensitive parameters of tissue disruption in a well-controlled mouse model of ischemic SCI. MR imaging evidenced changes as early as the second hour after the lesion in the dorsal horns, which appear swollen. After 4 h, alterations of the white matter of dorsal and lateral funiculi were reflected by a progressive loss of white/grey matter contrast with further ventral extension by the 24th hour. Diffusion tensor imaging and multi-exponential T2 measurements permitted to quantify these physicochemical, time-related, alterations during the 24-h period. This characterization of spatial and temporal evolution of SCI will contribute to better define both the most appropriate targets for future therapies and more accurate therapeutic windows. Upcoming directions include the use of these parameters on in vivo animal models and their application to clinics. Indeed, magnetic resonance techniques appear now as a major non-invasive translation tool in CNS pathologies based on the development of more appropriate pre-clinical models.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging detects early spinal cord injury (SCI) changes in white and grey matter within hours. These findings help identify therapeutic targets and windows for treating central nervous system pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant white and grey matter alterations impacting neurological outcomes.
- Understanding the early spatiotemporal evolution of SCI is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for detecting tissue disruption in an ischemic mouse model of SCI.
- To characterize the early spatial and temporal changes in white and grey matter following SCI.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo quantitative high-field magnetic resonance microimaging (MRI).
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and multi-exponential T2 measurements were employed.
- A well-controlled mouse model of ischemic spinal cord injury was utilized.
Main Results:
- MRI detected dorsal horn swelling as early as 2 hours post-lesion.
- Progressive white matter alterations and loss of white/grey matter contrast were observed within 24 hours.
- Physicochemical, time-dependent changes were quantified using DTI and T2 relaxometry.
Conclusions:
- Early MRI parameters can sensitively detect and quantify tissue damage in acute SCI.
- Characterizing SCI's evolution aids in defining therapeutic targets and windows.
- MRI serves as a non-invasive translational tool for CNS pathologies, bridging pre-clinical models and clinical applications.
