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Published on: June 26, 2019
Animal Models of Cerebral Changes Secondary to Spinal Cord Injury
Zhiping Xie1, Wu Zhou1, Dan Liu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Abstract:
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are difficult to treat. The first animal SCI model (featuring the dropping of a weight) was established by Allen in 1911, and other animal models have been developed since then. Most animal studies have focused only on the molecular features of SCIs, which remain disputed. Recently, it has become clear that SCI may trigger mental and cognitive disorders, however, and brain changes secondary to SCI are under investigation. No consensus on an optimal animal model for cerebral research has emerged. We discuss the appropriate SCI models for studying secondary brain changes.
Insights
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can affect the brain. This study reviews animal models for spinal cord injury research, focusing on those suitable for investigating secondary brain changes and cognitive disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Cerebral Medicine
Background:
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) present significant treatment challenges.
- Established animal models primarily focus on molecular aspects of SCIs, with ongoing debate.
- Emerging evidence links SCIs to mental and cognitive disorders, necessitating brain-focused research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss appropriate animal models for studying brain changes secondary to spinal cord injury.
- To address the lack of consensus on optimal animal models for cerebral research following SCI.
- To guide the selection of models for investigating the neurological consequences of SCIs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and contemporary animal models of spinal cord injury.
- Analysis of studies focusing on molecular and secondary brain changes post-SCI.
- Evaluation of the suitability of various SCI models for cerebral research.
Main Results:
- Historical SCI models, like Allen's weight-drop model (1911), exist but have limitations.
- Current research is increasingly investigating brain alterations secondary to SCI.
- No single animal model is universally accepted for studying SCI-induced cerebral changes.
Conclusions:
- Selecting the appropriate animal model is crucial for advancing research on brain changes following spinal cord injury.
- Further development and validation of models are needed to effectively study SCI's impact on the brain.
- This review provides a framework for choosing SCI models relevant to cerebral research.
