Neuroprotective effect of epidural hypothermia after spinal cord lesion in rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of epidural hypothermia in rats subjected to experimental spinal cord lesion.METHODS:Wistar rats (n = 30) weighing 320-360 g were randomized to two groups (hypothermia and control) of 15 rats per group. A spinal cord lesion was induced by the standardized drop of a 10-g weight from a height of 2.5 cm, using the New York University Impactor, after laminectomy at the T9-10 level. Rats in the hypothermia group underwent epidural hypothermia for 20 minutes immediately after spinal cord injury. Motor function was assessed for six weeks using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan motor scores and the inclined plane test. At the end of the final week, the rats' neurological status was monitored by the motor evoked potential test and the results for the two groups were compared.RESULTS:Analysis of the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores obtained during the six-week period indicated that there were no significant differences between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the inclined plane test scores during the six-week period. Furthermore, at the end of the study, the latency and amplitude values of the motor evoked potential test were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Hypothermia did not produce a neuroprotective effect when applied at the injury level and in the epidural space immediately after induction of a spinal cord contusion in Wistar rats.

Hypothermic treatment after computer‑controlled compression in minipig: A preliminary report on the effect of epidural�vs.�direct spinal cord cooling

“…Shorter duration may require more profound cooling to achieve similar effect ( 35 ). In general, these data suggest that long periods of local hypothermia are tolerated well and may improve long-term tissue sparing and functional outcome ( 14 , 35 , 40 – 43 , 47 , 57 , 87 ).…”

“…Relatively little experimental data are available for local hypothermia. In general, the results indicate that longer durations of local hypothermia (at least 48 h) yield better results than shorter durations ( 14 , 40 – 43 ). However, there are studies indicating that duration of hypothermia <48 h may be sufficient.…”

Hypothermia Therapy for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Updated Review

“…Of the 24 preclinical studies ( Table 1 ), most ( n = 21) employed a thoracic spinal cord model [ 5 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Twelve studies employed local cooling, eleven used systemic hypothermia, and one evaluated both application modalities.…”