Brain malformations in the sheep model of myelomeningocele are similar to those found in human disease: preliminary report

Hernández, Jose Luis Encinas; Soto, C; García‐Cabezas, Miguel Ángel; Pederiva, Federica; Garriboli, Massimo; Rodríguez, Roberto; Peiró, José Luis; Carceller, Fernando; López‐Santamaría, Manuel; Tovar, Juan A.

doi:10.1007/s00383-008-2276-8

Cited by 13 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Hindbrain herniation in unrepaired fetal MMC lambs with a myelotomy has been reported to range from 43 to 100% [10-12]. Models that include hindbrain herniation are still not an exact replica of human MMC as these lambs very rarely develop hydrocephalus [10, 11, 26]. Importantly in utero surgical repair has been demonstrated to decrease rates of hindbrain herniation in these animals, as well as to improve the motor function [10, 11, 18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Model of Fetal Spinal Cord Exposure Allowing for Long-Term Postnatal Survival

et al. 2021

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Background: The inherent morbidity associated with fetal ovine models of myelomeningocele (MMC) has created challenges for long-term survival of lambs. We aimed to develop a fetal ovine surgical spinal exposure model which could be used to evaluate long-term safety after direct spinal cord application of novel therapeutics for augmentation of in utero MMC repair. Methods: At gestational age (GA) 100–106, fetal lambs underwent surgical intervention. Laminectomy of L5–L6 was performed, dura was removed, and an experimental product was directly applied to the spinal cord. Paraspinal muscles and skin were closed and the fetus was returned to the uterus. Lambs were delivered via cesarean section at GA 140–142. Lambs were survived for 3 months with regular evaluation of motor function by the sheep locomotor rating scale. Spinal angulation was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging at 2 weeks and 3 months. Results: Five fetal surgical intervention lambs and 6 control lambs who did not undergo surgical intervention were included. All lambs survived to the study endpoint of 3 months. No lambs had motor function abnormalities or increased spinal angulation. Conclusion: This model allows for long-term survival after fetal spinal cord exposure with product application directly onto the spinal cord.

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