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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord
Published on: April 7, 2015
Small mammal MRI imaging in spinal cord injury: a novel practical technique for using a 1.5 T MRI
Howard B Levene1, Feroze B Mohamed, Scott H Faro
1Department of Neurosurgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States.
Abstract:
The field of spinal cord injury research is an active one. The pathophysiology of SCI is not yet entirely revealed. As such, animal models are required for the exploration of new therapies and treatments. We present a novel technique using available hospital MRI machines to examine SCI in a mouse SCI model. The model is a 60 kdyne direct contusion injury in a mouse thoracic spine. No new electronic equipment is required. A 1.5T MRI machine with a human wrist coil is employed. A standard multisection 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted sequence is used for imaging the mouse. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the injured and normal area of the spinal cord showed a three-fold increase in the contrast between these two regions. The MRI findings could be correlated with kinematic outcome scores of ambulation, such as BBB or BMS. The ability to follow a SCI in the same animal over time should improve the quality of data while reducing the quantity of animals required in SCI research. It is the aim of the authors to share this non-invasive technique and to make it available to the scientific research community.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel MRI technique for examining spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. This accessible method enhances contrast, improving data quality and reducing animal use in SCI research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Animal Models
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) research is ongoing, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood.
- Animal models are crucial for developing and testing new SCI therapies.
- Existing imaging techniques may have limitations in resolution or accessibility for SCI studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for assessing SCI in a mouse model.
- To demonstrate the utility of readily available hospital MRI equipment for SCI research.
- To improve the quality of data and reduce animal numbers in SCI studies.
Main Methods:
- A 60 kdyne direct contusion injury was induced in the thoracic spine of mice.
- A standard 1.5T hospital MRI scanner with a human wrist coil was utilized.
- A multisection 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted sequence was employed for imaging.
Main Results:
- The novel MRI technique significantly increased the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) threefold between injured and normal spinal cord regions.
- MRI findings demonstrated strong correlation with established kinematic outcome scores for ambulation (e.g., BBB, BMS).
- The method allows for longitudinal tracking of SCI progression within the same animal.
Conclusions:
- This accessible MRI technique offers a valuable tool for non-invasive SCI assessment in preclinical research.
- The improved contrast and correlation with functional outcomes enhance data reliability.
- Sharing this technique can advance SCI research by improving efficiency and reducing animal usage.
