Rat Model Of Spinal Cord Transection Research Articles

Implantation of 3D Constructs Embedded with Oral Mucosa-Derived Cells Induces Functional Recovery in Rats with Complete Spinal Cord Transection.

Spinal cord injury (SCI), involving damaged axons and glial scar tissue, often culminates in irreversible impairments. Achieving substantial recovery following complete spinal cord transection remains an unmet challenge. Here, we report of implantation of an engineered 3D construct embedded with human oral mucosa stem cells (hOMSC) induced to secrete neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and axonal elongation-associated factors, in a complete spinal cord transection rat model. Rats implanted with induced tissue engineering constructs regained fine motor control, coordination and walking pattern in sharp contrast to the untreated group that remained paralyzed (42 vs. 0%). Immunofluorescence, CLARITY, MRI, and electrophysiological assessments demonstrated a reconnection bridging the injured area, as well as presence of increased number of myelinated axons, neural precursors, and reduced glial scar tissue in recovered animals treated with the induced cell-embedded constructs. Finally, this construct is made of bio-compatible, clinically approved materials and utilizes a safe and easily extractable cell population. The results warrant further research with regards to the effectiveness of this treatment in addressing spinal cord injury.

The effect of long-term oral tadalafil treatment on corpus cavernosum function in an experimental spinal cord transection rat model

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological effects of long-term oral tadalafil treatment on the corpus cavernosum function in rats subjected to experimental spinal cord transection (SCT). Thirty young adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n¼ 6, each), as follows: (1) Control,(2) Control surgery (Sham), (3) Tadalafil (Td), (4) Experimental SCT, and (5) SCT + Tadalafil (SCT + Td). SCT rat model: after removal of T8-T9 spinal processes and laminates, a full-thickness scalpel incision was made in the spinal cord. SCT + Td rat model:rats subjected to SCT were given tadalafil (5mg kg(-1), p.o.) for 4 weeks. Next, the penile cavernous tissues obtained by en blocexcision were trimmed free of the surrounding tissue to isolate cavernosal smooth muscle strips, which were then transferred into the isolated organ baths to investigate isometric tension changes in response to various bioactive agents and electrical field stimulation (EFS). The relaxation response to acetylcholine at 0.01 mM concentration was significantly less in the SCT group compared with other groups. EFS-induced relaxation in the basal and precontracted cavernous tissue preparations was greater in the SCT + Td group than in the SCT group. This study demonstrated that long-term tadalafil administration preserves relaxation responses probably by affecting through the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in SCT-applied rats. This treatment strategy might preserve the erectile process and prevent the SCT-induced permanent damage in the cavernosal tissue.

Why 103 women asked for reversal of sterilisation.

Between 1975 and 1976 103 women requesting sterilisation reversal were interviewed at Hammersmith Hospital. Their average age at sterilisation was 26-7 years; 65 (63-1%) had been sterilised immediately after pregnancy, and many patients had previously used contraception inadequately when they were sterilised. When they had been sterilised 78 (75-7%) patients were unhappily married and remarriage was the chief reason for the request for reversal. Sexual dissatisfaction after sterilisation was common, but there was no obvious increase in menstrual disturbance. Thirty-nine (37-8%) patients had been sterilised by irreversible methods, and in only half the cases sterilised by tubal ligation were conditions technically suitable for reversal surgery. It therefore seems unwise to sterilise women under 30 particularly immediately after pregnancy or if their marriage is in jeopardy.