This article describes a method for inducing spinal cord contusion in an anesthetized mouse model. The procedure involves precise targeting and application of a controlled impact to the spinal cord, leading to structural damage.
Begin with an anesthetized mouse on the spinal cord injury coaxial platform, with the exposed 9th thoracic or T9 vertebrae level spinal cord.
Using the platform’s stabilizer forceps, secure the vertebrae and prevent movement.
Place the tubular sleeve containing the impactor tip with a weight secured with a pull pin over the exposed spinal cord.
Adjust the tip position to accurately target the T9 spinal cord level.
Lower the sleeve until the impactor tip reaches the predetermined height above the spinal cord.
Release the pull pin to drop the weight onto the impactor tip, striking the spinal cord with controlled impact.
The impact delivers a blunt force that causes tissue compression, leading to structural damage in axons and blood vessels.
This results in a contusion or injury from tissue compression.
Remove the impactor. Tissue discoloration and swelling indicate a successful spinal cord contusion.
Once the T9 level spinal cord is exposed, and the vertebra is fixed, aim at the spinal cord by the tip, inside the sleeve, under the operating microscopic. After locating the interspinous space of the T12 to T13, lower the sleeve until the end of the impactor is consistent with the mark on the observation window, and the specified height of 22 millimeters is reached.
Pull out the pull pin to release the weight. Remove the impactor when the contusion is done. And observe the degree of spinal cord injury under the operating microscope. In the mild group, the light red color alteration can be seen, while in the moderate group, the injury site exhibits dark red in 3 to 4 seconds, and possibly eminence can be observed.
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