Abstract:

 Objective　To establish a new and reliable rabbit model of compression spinal cord injury, so as to provide a basis for further studies on molecular mechanism and clinical therapy of this kind of disease. Methods　A self-made device for establishing acute compressed spinal cord injury was designed according to the characteristics of rabbit spinal column and vertebrae, which included four parts: screw, plastic cannula, fixed steel board and compressed steel board on spinal cord. Postoperative behavioral and histological changes were observed. TTC, HE, Nissl staining methods were used to evaluate the effects of this model.   Results　The modified Tarlov behavior testing showed that, all rabbits in model group presented with weakness of muscle power in their hind legs and motor abnormalities. TTC staining showed the ischemia of diversity degrees at different segments of spinal cord, the compressed segment, the anterior segment adjacent to the compressed segment and the posterior segment adjacent to the compressed segment. In addition, the hemorrhage and tissue necrosis occurred in the posterior segment adjacent to the compressed segment; HE and Nissl staining showed the edema of neuronal tissue, karyopyknosis in some neurons and the decrease or even the disappearance of Nissl body.   Conclusions　The acute compressed spinal cord injury model established by our self-made device accurately replicates the characteristics of acute compressed spinal cord injury , which is simple, replicable and adjustable.

Key words:  Spinal cord, Injury, Acute compressed model, Rabbit