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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Induction of Complete Transection-Type Spinal Cord Injury in Mice
Published on: May 6, 2020
GEMINI: Initial behavioral results after full severance of the cervical spinal cord in mice
C-Yoon Kim1, Hanseul Oh2, In-Kyu Hwang3
1Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed to achieve a successful cephalosomatic anastomosis. Here, we report the preliminary data on the use of a fusogen [polyethylene glycol (PEG)] after full cervical cord transection in mice to facilitate the fusion of both ends of a sharply transected spinal cord.
Methods:
Cervical laminectomy and a complete, visually confirmed cervical cord (C 5) transection was performed on female albino mice (n = 16). In Group 1 (n = 8), a fusogen, (PEG) was used to bridge the gap between the cut ends of the spinal cord. Group 2 received the same spinal cord transection but was treated with saline. Outcome was assessed daily using a standard scale (modified 22-point Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale) and filmed on camera.
Results:
The PEG group (group 1) showed partial restoration of motor function after 4 weeks of observation; group 2 (placebo) did not recover any useful motor activity.
Conclusion:
In this preliminary experiment, PEG, but not saline, promoted partial motor recovery in mice submitted to full cervical transection.
