Abstract
For researchers seeking to collect spinal cord samples from mice and rats while avoiding acid decalcification, few options are available. Laminectomy is the standard method which yields high quality samples, yet is time consuming and technically difficult. Ejection of the cord from the vertebral column is another technique commonly used; however, the literature suggests that this method can damage the spinal tissues and is typically avoided when histology of samples is the desired endpoint. Here, we describe an optimized method for ejection of spinal cords from rats and mice, and compare histological quality of these samples with those collected via laminectomy. Our results show that ejection can yield high quality spinal cord samples and may be suitable for use as an alternative to laminectomy.
Highlights
The removal of spinal cord samples from the spines of mice and rats tends to be technically difficult and time consuming
Mice In mouse spinal cord samples collected via laminectomy, the overall architectural and cytologic detail was very well preserved, consistently achieving quality scores of 2 or 3
In mouse spinal cord samples collected via ejection, the overall architectural and cytologic detail was largely preserved; none of the sections had substantial artifacts
Summary
The removal of spinal cord samples from the spines of mice and rats tends to be technically difficult and time consuming. Two methods are commonly used for the collection of spinal cord samples free of bone: laminectomy and ejection. Laminectomy performed by a skilled technician yields spinal cord samples of superior quality.[3] laminectomy is tedious and not suitable for collection of large numbers of samples. Ejection allows rapid collection of large sample numbers; particular care must be taken not to damage the delicate cord tissue.[4] Collection of spinal cords by extrusion under pressure has been described for the rat[1] and is widely used, detailed technical accounts that consistently yield high-quality samples in rats and mice are not commonly available in the published
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