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Experimental spinal cord injury produced by axial tension. J Spinal Disord 1989 Mar;2(1):6-13

Date

03/01/1989

Pubmed ID

2520059

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0024360277 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   14 Citations

Abstract

Fifty cats underwent spine distraction with forces applied until the evoked potential (EP) amplitude was reduced 50 or 95%. Neurologic status and EPs were monitored for up to 6 weeks. Fifty percent reduction occurred at (x) = 4.2-kg distraction/kg body weight (BW); 95% at 7.4 kg distraction/kg BW: differences were significant (p less than .05). The 50% group showed quadriparesis at 24 hours (Tarlov 1), improving by 4 weeks (x = 3). Ninety-five percent-group animals were quadriplegic initially, progressing to Tarlov 2.2. Residual EP changes occurred, particularly in the 95% group. Early histologic changes included central necrosis and neuronal chromatolysis. Later, axon disruption was observed, with cystic degeneration and gliosis at 4-6 weeks. Tissue damage correlated with ultimate neurologic status. Correlations between latency changes and early neurologic status, and between amplitude and histology were observed. The axial tension model may be of value in the study of spinal cord injury mechanisms.

Author List

Maiman DJ, Myklebust JB, Ho KC, Coats J



MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Cats
Cervical Vertebrae
Disease Models, Animal
Evoked Potentials
Male
Microscopy, Electron
Nerve Degeneration
Quadriplegia
Radiography
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Stress, Mechanical
Time Factors