Generating a Mouse Model with a Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Source: Kumar, S., et. al. Mouse Model of Pressure Ulcers After Spinal Cord Injury. J. Vis. Exp. (2019)

This video demonstrates a detailed induction of spinal cord injury in mice. The anesthetized mouse is dissected to expose T9-T10 vertebrae, and their spinous processes are removed. The exposed spinal cord is then transected to inflict the injury. The surgical area is then closed, and the mouse is allowed to recover.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Preparation of Surgical and Non-surgical Instruments

1. Sterilize the surgical and non-surgical instruments in an autoclave.
2. Clean the surgical operating table with 70% ethanol and warm a heating pad to 37 °C.

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Mice standard diet	PMI Nutrition International, Brentwood, MO		Standard Food Pellet
Isoflurane	HENRY SCHEIN Animal Health	SKU 029405
BETADINE Surgical Scrub	HENRY SCHEIN Animal Health
Ophthalmic Ointment	HENRY SCHEIN Animal Health	SKU 008897
NAIR-Hair Remover Lotion	Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Princeton, NJ
ELOXIJECT (meloxicam) Injection	HENRY SCHEIN Animal Health	SKU 049755	5 mg/mL, 10 mL
Cefazolin Sodium	HENRY SCHEIN Animal Health	SKU 054846	1 g, 10 mL bottle
Buprenorphine-SR	ZooPharm, Windsor, CO	-	-
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP	BRAUN, Irvine, CA	S8004-5384
BALB/C Male Mouse	Charles River Lab., Wilmington, MA	28
Sterile Cotton Tipped Applicator	Puritan, Guilford, ME	SKU#: 25-806
Michel Suture Clips	Fine Science Tools (USA) Inc., Foster City, CA	12040-01
Surgical Suture, U.S.P.	Henry Schein Animal Health	101-2636