Development of AMPA receptor and GABA B receptor-sensitive spinal hyper-reflexia after spinal air embolism in rat: a systematic neurological, electrophysiological and qualitative histopathological study.
Exp Neurol
; 237(1): 26-35, 2012 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22721766
ABSTRACT
Decompression sickness results from formation of bubbles in the arterial and venous system, resulting in spinal disseminated neurodegenerative changes and may clinically be presented by motor dysfunction, spinal segmental stretch hyper-reflexia (i.e., spasticity) and muscle rigidity. In our current study, we describe a rat model of spinal air embolism characterized by the development of similar spinal disseminated neurodegenerative changes and functional deficit. In addition, the anti-spastic potency of systemic AMPA receptor antagonist (NGX424) or GABA B receptor agonist (baclofen) treatment was studied. To induce spinal air embolism, animals received an intra-aortic injection of air (50-200 µl/kg). After embolism, the development of spasticity was measured using computer-controlled ankle rotation. Animals receiving 150 or 200 µl of intra-aortic air injections displayed motor dysfunction with developed spastic (50-60% of animals) or flaccid (25-35% of animals) paraplegia at 5-7 days. MRI and spinal histopathological analysis showed disseminated spinal cord infarcts in the lower thoracic to sacral spinal segments. Treatment with NGX424 or baclofen provided a potent anti-spasticity effect (i.e., stretch hyper-reflexia inhibition). This model appears to provide a valuable experimental tool to study the pathophysiology of air embolism-induced spinal injury and permits the assessment of new treatment efficacy targeted to modulate neurological symptoms resulting from spinal air embolism.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal
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Reflejo Anormal
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Receptores de GABA-B
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Receptores AMPA
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Embolia Aérea
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Qualitative_research
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Exp Neurol
Año:
2012
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos