Abstract
A model for studying spinal cord trauma is described using the rat. The neurophysiological parameters that can be monitored in this model include blood pressure, spinal cord blood flow, somatosensory-evoked potentials, electroencephalogram, blood gases, and vital signs. In addition, histological preparations for histochemical fluorescence and neuronal tissue stains can be made from cryostat sections of the cord tissue. Biochemical determinations of the cord tissue are discussed. The rat model is useful because this species is inexpensive and well suited to study the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury. It is a valuable teaching tool in learning basic anesthesiology, physiology, and surgery. The model may also be used to test potentially useful treatments following experimental injury before a larger animal model series is attempted.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 356-370 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Experimental Neurology |
| Volume | 70 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - 1980 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
- Neurology