A Novel Acute Discogenic Myelopathy Model Using Merocel^® Sponge: Comparison With Clip Compression Model in Rats

Animal models of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) use rats to simulate human SCIs. Among the various techniques, clips have been used to reproduce the compression-contusion model. However, the mechanism of injury in discogenic incomplete SCI may differ from that in clip injury; however, a model has yet to be established. Previously, we issued a patent (No. 10-2053770) for a rat SCI model using Merocel^®, a water-absorbing self-expanding polymer sponge. The objectives of this study were to compare the locomotor and histopathological changes between the Merocel^®-compression model (MC group) and clip compression model (clip group).

This study included 4 groups of rats: MC (n=30), MC-sham (n=5), clip (n=30), and clip-sham (n=5). Locomotor function was evaluated in all groups using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system, 4 weeks after injury. Histopathological analyses included morphology, presence of inflammatory cells, microglial activation, and extent of neuronal damage, which were compared among the groups.

The BBB scores in the MC group were significantly higher than those in the clip group throughout the 4 weeks (p<0.01). Neuropathological changes in the MC group were significantly less severe than those in the clip group. In addition, motor neurons were well preserved in the ventral horn of the MC group but poorly preserved in the ventral horn of the clip group.

The novel MC group can help elucidate the pathophysiology of acute discogenic incomplete SCIs and may be applied in various SCI therapeutic strategies.