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Abdallah A. Association between subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced hydrocephalus and hydromyelia: pathophysiological changes developed in an experimental model. Neurol Res 2023; 45:49-56. [PMID: 36062543 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2022.2119022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced hydrocephalus (SAIH) can affect the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The relationship between hydromyelia and SAIH has been rarely investigated. This experimental model aimed to identify the pathophysiological changes developed in the SAH and elucidate the relationship between hydromyelia and SAIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS 25 female rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. The SAH group (n = 15), sham group (n = 5), and control group (n = 5). In the former group, the injection of 0.5 mL/kg of autologous blood was carried out into the cisterna magna on days 0 and 2. All animals were decapitated 21 days thereafter. Histological examinations of the medulla spinalis and brain samples were performed. RESULTS The mean volumes of the central channel were 1.054, 1.287, and 1.776 mm3 in the control, sham, and SAH groups, respectively (p = 0.028). The mean normal ependymal cell densities were 4.210, 3.602, and 2.923 cells/mm2 in the control, sham, and SAH groups, respectively (p = 0.002). The mean ventricular Evans' indices were 0.31, 0.34, and 0.41, in the control, sham, and SAH groups, respectively (p = 0.006). Basement membrane rupture, desquamated ependymal cells, and central channel occlusion were observed on histological examinations of the SAH group. CONCLUSIONS Subependymal basement membrane destruction, blood cell accumulation on it, ependymal cell desquamation, increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion, and increased ICP in the central channel that causes hydromyelia. When these pathological changes are chronically apparent, they may reflect on CSF pathways and cause permanent SAIH. Preventing long-time SAH-induced hydromyelia is believed to reduce the high rate of treatment-requiring SAIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Abdallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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CCP1, a Tubulin Deglutamylase, Increases Survival of Rodent Spinal Cord Neurons following Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0431-20.2021. [PMID: 33688040 PMCID: PMC8021396 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0431-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal elements that provide structural support and act as roadways for intracellular transport in cells. MTs are also needed for neurons to extend and maintain long axons and dendrites that establish connectivity to transmit information through the nervous system. Therefore, in neurons, the ability to independently regulate cytoskeletal stability and MT-based transport in different cellular compartments is essential. Posttranslational modification of MTs is one mechanism by which neurons regulate the cytoskeleton. The carboxypeptidase CCP1 negatively regulates posttranslational polyglutamylation of MTs. In mammals, loss of CCP1, and the resulting hyperglutamylation of MTs, causes neurodegeneration. It has also long been known that CCP1 expression is activated by neuronal injury; however, whether CCP1 plays a neuroprotective role after injury is unknown. Using shRNA-mediated knock-down of CCP1 in embryonic rat spinal cord cultures, we demonstrate that CCP1 protects spinal cord neurons from excitotoxic death. Unexpectedly, excitotoxic injury reduced CCP1 expression in our system. We previously demonstrated that the CCP1 homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans is important for maintenance of neuronal cilia. Although cilia enhance neuronal survival in some contexts, it is not yet clear whether CCP1 maintains cilia in mammalian spinal cord neurons. We found that knock-down of CCP1 did not result in loss or shortening of cilia in cultured spinal cord neurons, suggesting that its effect on survival of excitotoxicity is independent of cilia. Our results support the idea that enzyme regulators of MT polyglutamylation might be therapeutically targeted to prevent excitotoxic death after spinal cord injuries.
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Morphological changes in the vertebrae and central canal of rat pups born after exposure to the electromagnetic field of pregnant rats. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151652. [PMID: 33190055 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) on the central nervous system. However, we encountered no studies of the effects of EMF applied in the prenatal period on the offspring vertebrae. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF applied to rat dams in the prenatal period on the vertebrae of rat pups. Female Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-250 g were used in the experiment. Rats identified as pregnant were divided into two groups, control (n = 3) and EMF (n = 3). No EMF was applied to the control group pregnant rats. EMF was applied to the EMF group rats for 1 h daily on an equal and standard basis on prenatal days 13-21. All newborn rat pups were divided into pup control (n = 6) (PC) and pup EMF (n = 6) (PEMF) groups, and no treatment was performed on either. All animals were decapitated on day 32, and the spinal cord in the upper thoracic region was harvested. Vertebral tissues were subjected to routine histological procedures. Histopathological examination revealed that PEMF group vertebral cartilage had been converted into bone tissue. Comparison of central canal diameter and area values between the PEMF group and the PC group revealed statistically significant increases in the PEMF group (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). Statistical analysıs revealed no significant difference in mean body weights between the two groups (p > 0.530). Based on these findings, we think that 900 MHz EMF applied in the prenatal period affects the development of the vertebrae. This effect causes pathological changes in the rat pup vertebrae. These findings now raise the question of whether EMF also has an impact on neurological and neurosurgical diseases involving the vertebrae.
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Abdallah A. Correlation of hydromyelia with subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus: an experimental study. Neurosurg Rev 2020; 44:1437-1445. [PMID: 32514658 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-020-01330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although the central canal is an integral component of the cerebral ventricular system, central canal dilation has not been examined adequately during the progression of subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus (SAH-H). Central canal dilation-associated ependymal cell desquamation or subependymal membrane rupture has been rarely reported. Herein, we try to describe possible mechanisms of central canal dilation "Hydromyelia," developing after SAH. A total of 25 New Zealand hybrid female rabbits were recruited. Five served as controls, and five received sham operations. In the remaining animals (n = 15), 0.5 mL/kg of autologous blood was injected into the cisterna magna twice on 0 and 2nd days. Five of these animals died within a few days. A total of 10 survivor animals decapitated 3 weeks later, and the brains and cervical spinal cords were histologically examined. Central canal volumes, ependymal cell numbers on the canal surfaces, and the Evans' indices of the ventricles were compared. On histological examination, central canal occlusion with desquamated ependymal cells and basement membrane rupture were evident. The mean Evans' index of the brain ventricles was 0.31, the mean central canal volume was 1.054 mm3, and the normal ependymal cell density was 4.210/mm2 in control animals; the respective values were 0.34, 1.287 mm3, and 3.602/mm2 for sham-operated animals, and 0.41, 1.776 mm3, and 2.923/mm2 in the study group. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hydromyelia, an ignored complication of SAH-H, features ependymal cell desquamation, subependymal basement membrane destruction, blood cell accumulation on the subependymal cell basement membrane, and increased CSF pressure. Hydromyelia may be a significant complication following SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Abdallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Adnan Menderes Bulvari, Vatan Street, 34093 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
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5
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Rusbridge C. New considerations about Chiari‐like malformation, syringomyelia and their management. IN PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1136/inp.m1869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Verma R, Virdi JK, Singh N, Jaggi AS. Animals models of spinal cord contusion injury. Korean J Pain 2019; 32:12-21. [PMID: 30671199 PMCID: PMC6333579 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2019.32.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord contusion injury is one of the most serious nervous system disorders, characterized by high morbidity and disability. To mimic spinal cord contusion in humans, various animal models of spinal contusion injury have been developed. These models have been developed in rats, mice, and monkeys. However, most of these models are developed using rats. Two types of animal models, i.e. bilateral contusion injury and unilateral contusion injury models, are developed using either a weight drop method or impactor method. In the weight drop method, a specific weight or a rod, having a specific weight and diameter, is dropped from a specific height on to the exposed spinal cord. Low intensity injury is produced by dropping a 5 g weight from a height of 8 cm, moderate injury by dropping 10 g weight from a height of 12.5–25 mm, and high intensity injury by dropping a 25 g weight from a height of 50 mm. In the impactor method, injury is produced through an impactor by delivering a specific force to the exposed spinal cord area. Mild injury is produced by delivering 100 ± 5 kdyn of force, moderate injury by delivering 200 ± 10 kdyn of force, and severe injury by delivering 300 ± 10 kdyn of force. The contusion injury produces a significant development of locomotor dysfunction, which is generally evident from the 0–14th day of surgery and is at its peak after the 28–56th day. The present review discusses different animal models of spinal contusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, Patiala, India
| | - Jasleen Kaur Virdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, Patiala, India
| | - Nirmal Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, Patiala, India
| | - Amteshwar Singh Jaggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University Patiala, Patiala, India
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Rusbridge C, Stringer F, Knowler SP. Clinical Application of Diagnostic Imaging of Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:280. [PMID: 30547039 PMCID: PMC6279941 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) is a frequent diagnosis in predisposed brachycephalic toy breeds since increased availability of MRI. However, the relevance of that MRI diagnosis has been questioned as CM, defined as identification of a cerebellar herniation, is ubiquitous in some breeds and SM can be asymptomatic. This article reviews the current knowledge of neuroanatomical changes in symptomatic CM and SM and diagnostic imaging modalities used for the clinical diagnosis of CM-pain or myelopathy related to SM. Although often compared to Chiari type I malformation in humans, canine CM-pain and SM is more comparable to complex craniosynostosis syndromes (i.e., premature fusion of multiple skull sutures) characterized by a short skull (cranial) base, rostrotentorial crowding with rostral forebrain flattening, small, and ventrally orientated olfactory bulbs, displacement of the neural tissue to give increased height of the cranium and further reduction of the functional caudotentorial space with hindbrain herniation. MRI may further reveal changes suggesting raised intracranial pressure such as loss of sulci definition in conjunction with ventriculomegaly. In addition to these brachycephalic changes, dogs with SM are more likely to have craniocervical junction abnormalities including rostral displacement of the axis and atlas with increased odontoid angulation causing craniospinal junction deformation and medulla oblongata elevation. Symptomatic SM is diagnosed on the basis of signs of myelopathy and presence of a large syrinx that is consistent with the neuro-localization. The imaging protocol should establish the longitudinal and transverse extent of the spinal cord involvement by the syrinx. Phantom scratching and cervicotorticollis are associated with large mid-cervical syringes that extend to the superficial dorsal horn. If the cause of CSF channel disruption and syringomyelia is not revealed by anatomical MRI then other imaging modalities may be appropriate with radiography or CT for any associated vertebral abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals, Godalming, United Kingdom.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susan P Knowler
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Paniagua-Torija B, Norenberg M, Arevalo-Martin A, Carballosa-Gautam MM, Campos-Martin Y, Molina-Holgado E, Garcia-Ovejero D. Cells in the adult human spinal cord ependymal region do not proliferate after injury. J Pathol 2018; 246:415-421. [PMID: 30091291 DOI: 10.1002/path.5151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates that regenerate the injured spinal cord, cells at the ependymal region proliferate and coordinate the formation of bridges between the lesion stumps. In mammals, these cells also proliferate profusely around the central canal after spinal cord injury, although their actual contribution to repair is controversial. In humans, however, the central canal disappears from early childhood in the majority of individuals, being replaced by astrocyte gliosis, ependymocyte clusters, and perivascular pseudo-rosettes. In this human ependymal remnant, cells do not proliferate under normal conditions, but it is not known if they do after a lesion. Here, we studied the human ependymal remnant after traumatic spinal cord injury using samples from 21 individuals with survival times ranging from days to months post-injury. With three different monoclonal antibodies raised against two different proliferation markers (Ki67 and MCM2), we found that the ependymal remnant in adult humans does not proliferate after injury at any time or distance from the lesion. Our results seriously challenge the view of the spinal cord ependymal region as a neurogenic niche in adult humans and suggest that it would not be involved in cell replacement after a lesion. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Norenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angel Arevalo-Martin
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Melissa M Carballosa-Gautam
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Eduardo Molina-Holgado
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Daniel Garcia-Ovejero
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
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Cardozo MJ, Mysiak KS, Becker T, Becker CG. Reduce, reuse, recycle – Developmental signals in spinal cord regeneration. Dev Biol 2017; 432:53-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Brennan FH, Kurniawan ND, Vukovic J, Bartlett PF, Käsermann F, Arumugam TV, Basta M, Ruitenberg MJ. IVIg attenuates complement and improves spinal cord injury outcomes in mice. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2016; 3:495-511. [PMID: 27386499 PMCID: PMC4931715 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits immediate neural cell death, axonal damage, and disruption of the blood–spinal cord barrier, allowing circulating immune cells and blood proteins into the spinal parenchyma. The inflammatory response to SCI involves robust complement system activation, which contributes to secondary injury and impairs neurological recovery. This study aimed to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), an FDA‐approved treatment for inflammatory conditions, can scavenge complement activation products and improve recovery from contusive SCI. Methods We used functional testing, noninvasive imaging, and detailed postmortem analysis to assess whether IVIg therapy is effective in a mouse model of severe contusive SCI. Results IVIg therapy at doses of 0.5–2 g/kg improved the functional and histopathological outcomes from SCI, conferring protection against lesion enlargement, demyelination, central canal dilation, and axonal degeneration. The benefits of IVIg were detectable through noninvasive diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), with IVIg treatment counteracting the progressive SCI‐induced increase in radial diffusivity (RD) in white matter. Diffusion indices significantly correlated with the functional performance of individual mice and accurately predicted the degree of myelin preservation. Further experiments revealed that IVIg therapy reduced the presence of complement activation products and phagocytically active macrophages at the lesion site, providing insight as to its mechanisms of action. Interpretation Our findings highlight the potential of using IVIg as an immunomodulatory treatment for SCI, and the value of DTI to assess tissue damage and screen for the efficacy of candidate intervention strategies in preclinical models of SCI, both quantitatively and noninvasively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith H Brennan
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Nyoman D Kurniawan
- Centre for Advanced Imaging The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Jana Vukovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia; Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | - Perry F Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
| | | | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore 117597 Singapore
| | - Milan Basta
- BioVisions Inc. 9012 Wandering Trail Dr Potomac Maryland 20854 USA
| | - Marc J Ruitenberg
- School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia; Queensland Brain Institute The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia; Trauma Critical Care and Recovery Brisbane Diamantina Health Partners The University of Queensland Brisbane 4072 Australia
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Wong JHY, Song X, Hemley SJ, Bilston LE, Cheng S, Stoodley MA. Direct-trauma model of posttraumatic syringomyelia with a computer-controlled motorized spinal cord impactor. J Neurosurg Spine 2016; 24:797-805. [PMID: 26824588 DOI: 10.3171/2015.10.spine15742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathogenesis of posttraumatic syringomyelia remains enigmatic and is not adequately explained by current theories. Experimental investigations require a reproducible animal model that replicates the human condition. Current animal models are imperfect because of their low reliability, severe neurological deficits, or dissimilar mechanism of injury. The objective of this study was to develop a reproducible rodent model of posttraumatic syringomyelia using a spinal cord impactor that produces an injury that more closely mimics the human condition and does not produce severe neurological deficits. METHODS The study consisted of 2 parts. Seventy animals were studied overall: 20 in Experiment 1 and 48 in Experiment 2 after two rats with severe deficits were killed early. Experiment 1 aimed to determine the optimal force setting for inducing a cystic cavity without neurological deficits using a computer-controlled motorized spinal cord impactor. Twenty animals received an impact that ranged from 50 to 150 kDyn. Using the optimal force for producing an initial cyst determined from Experiment 1, Experiment 2 aimed to compare the progression of cavities in animals with and those without arachnoiditis induced by kaolin. Forty-eight animals were killed at 1, 3, 6, or 12 weeks after syrinx induction. Measurements of cavity size and maximum anteroposterior and lateral diameters were evaluated using light microscopy. RESULTS In Experiment 1, cavities were present in 95% of the animals. The duration of limb weakness and spinal cord cavity size correlated with the delivered force. The optimal force chosen for Experiment 2 was 75 kDyn. In Experiment 2, cavities occurred in 92% of the animals. Animals in the kaolin groups developed larger cavities and more vacuolations and enlarged perivascular spaces than those in the nonkaolin groups. CONCLUSIONS This impact model reliably produces cavities that resemble human posttraumatic syringomyelia and is suitable for further study of posttraumatic syringomyelia pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny H Y Wong
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Song
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Lynne E Bilston
- Neuroscience Research Australia;,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales; and
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Garcia-Ovejero D, Arevalo-Martin A, Paniagua-Torija B, Florensa-Vila J, Ferrer I, Grassner L, Molina-Holgado E. The ependymal region of the adult human spinal cord differs from other species and shows ependymoma-like features. Brain 2015; 138:1583-97. [PMID: 25882650 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several laboratories have described the existence of undifferentiated precursor cells that may act like stem cells in the ependyma of the rodent spinal cord. However, there are reports showing that this region is occluded and disassembled in humans after the second decade of life, although this has been largely ignored or interpreted as a post-mortem artefact. To gain insight into the patency, actual structure, and molecular properties of the adult human spinal cord ependymal region, we followed three approaches: (i) with MRI, we estimated the central canal patency in 59 control subjects, 99 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury, and 26 patients with non-traumatic spinal cord injuries. We observed that the central canal is absent from the vast majority of individuals beyond the age of 18 years, gender-independently, throughout the entire length of the spinal cord, both in healthy controls and after injury; (ii) with histology and immunohistochemistry, we describe morphological properties of the non-lesioned ependymal region, which showed the presence of perivascular pseudorosettes, a common feature of ependymoma; and (iii) with laser capture microdissection, followed by TaqMan® low density arrays, we studied the gene expression profile of the ependymal region and found that it is mainly enriched in genes compatible with a low grade or quiescent ependymoma (53 genes); this region is enriched only in 14 genes related to neurogenic niches. In summary, we demonstrate here that the central canal is mainly absent in the adult human spinal cord and is replaced by a structure morphologically and molecularly different from that described for rodents and other primates. The presented data suggest that the ependymal region is more likely to be reminiscent of a low-grade ependymoma. Therefore, a direct translation to adult human patients of an eventual therapeutic potential of this region based on animal models should be approached with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Garcia-Ovejero
- 1 Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Angel Arevalo-Martin
- 1 Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Beatriz Paniagua-Torija
- 1 Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - José Florensa-Vila
- 2 Radiology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- 3 Institut de Neuropatologia, Servei d'Anatomia Patolo`gica, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Lukas Grassner
- 4 Center for Spinal Cord Injuries, Trauma Center Murnau, Germany 5 Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, SCI-TReCS (Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eduardo Molina-Holgado
- 1 Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
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Zhan X, Jickling GC, Ander BP, Liu D, Stamova B, Cox C, Jin LW, DeCarli C, Sharp FR. Myelin injury and degraded myelin vesicles in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2014; 11:232-8. [PMID: 24484278 DOI: 10.2174/1567205011666140131120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myelin disruption is an important feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that contributes to impairment of neuronal circuitry and cognition. In this study we characterize myelin degradation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with normal aged controls. METHODS Myelin from patients with AD (n=13) was compared to matched controls (n=6). Myelin degradation was examined by immunohistochemistry in frontal white matter (WM) for intact myelin basic protein (MBP), degraded MBP, the presence of myelin lipid and for PAS staining. The relationship of myelin degradation and axonal injury was also assessed. RESULTS Brains from patients with AD had significant loss of intact MBP, and an increase in degraded MBP in periventricular WM adjacent to a denuded ependymal layer. In regions of myelin degradation, vesicles were identified that stained positive for degraded MBP, myelin lipid, and neurofilament but not for intact MBP. Most vesicles stained for PAS, a corpora amylacea marker. The vesicles were significantly more abundant in the periventricular WM of AD patients compared to controls (44.5 ± 11.0 versus 1.7 ± 1.1, p=0.02). CONCLUSION In AD patients degraded MBP is associated in part with vesicles particularly in periventricular WM that is adjacent to areas of ependymal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank R Sharp
- University of California at Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute - Room 2415, 2805 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Decreased GFAP expression and improved functional recovery in contused spinal cord of rats following valproic acid therapy. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:2319-33. [PMID: 25205382 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have illustrated that much of the post-traumatic degeneration of the spinal cord cells is caused by the secondary mechanism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the anti-inflammatory property of valproic acid (VPA) on injured spinal cords (SC). The rats with the contused SC received intraperitoneal single injection of VPA (150, 200, 300, 400 or 500 mg/kg) at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h post-injury. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) test and H-reflex evaluated the functional outcome for 12 weeks. The SC were investigated 3 months post-injury using morphometry and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) expression. Reduction in cavitation, H/M ratio, BBB scores and GFAP expression in the treatment groups were significantly more than that of the untreated one (P < 0.05). The optimal improvement in the condition of the contused rats was in the ones treated at the acute phase of injury with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury, they had the highest increase in BBB score and decrease in astrogliosis and axonal loss. We conclude that treating the contused rats with 300 mg/kg of VPA at 12 h post-injury improves the functional outcome and reduces the traumatized SC gliosis.
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Shechter R, Miller O, Yovel G, Rosenzweig N, London A, Ruckh J, Kim KW, Klein E, Kalchenko V, Bendel P, Lira SA, Jung S, Schwartz M. Recruitment of beneficial M2 macrophages to injured spinal cord is orchestrated by remote brain choroid plexus. Immunity 2013; 38:555-69. [PMID: 23477737 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 467] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Monocyte-derived macrophages are essential for recovery after spinal cord injury, but their homing mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that although of common origin, the homing of proinflammatory (M1) and the "alternatively activated" anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages to traumatized spinal cord (SC) was distinctly regulated, neither being through breached blood-brain barrier. The M1 macrophages (Ly6c(hi)CX3CR1(lo)) derived from monocytes homed in a CCL2 chemokine-dependent manner through the adjacent SC leptomeninges. The resolving M2 macrophages (Ly6c(lo)CX3CR1(hi)) derived from monocytes trafficked through a remote blood-cerebrospinal-fluid (CSF) barrier, the brain-ventricular choroid plexus (CP), via VCAM-1-VLA-4 adhesion molecules and epithelial CD73 enzyme for extravasation and epithelial transmigration. Blockage of these determinants, or mechanical CSF flow obstruction, inhibited M2 macrophage recruitment and impaired motor-function recovery. The CP, along with the CSF and the central canal, provided an anti-inflammatory supporting milieu, potentially priming the trafficking monocytes. Overall, our finding demonstrates that the route of monocyte entry to central nervous system provides an instructional environment to shape their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravid Shechter
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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Driver CJ, De Risio L, Hamilton S, Rusbridge C, Dennis R, McGonnell IM, Volk HA. Changes over time in craniocerebral morphology and syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari-like malformation. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:215. [PMID: 23136935 PMCID: PMC3514376 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia is a neurological disease complex with high prevalence in cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). The natural progression of this disease with time has not been described. The objectives of this study were to i) determine if syringomyelia progresses with time ii) determine if features of craniocrebral morphology previously associated with CM are progressive (including caudal cranial fossa volume, caudal cranial fossa parenchymal volume, ventricular dimensions, height of the foramen magnum and degree of cerebellar herniation). A retrospective morphometric analysis was undertaken in 12 CKCS with CM for which repeat magnetic resonance images were available without surgical intervention. Results The maximal syrinx width, height of the foramen magnum, length of cerebellar herniation and caudal cranial fossa volume increased over time. Ventricular and caudal fossa parenchymal volumes were not significantly different between scans. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that syringomyelia progresses with time. Increased caudal cranial fossa volume may be associated with active resorption of the supraoccipital bone, which has previously been found in histology specimens from adult CKCS. We hypothesise that active resorption of the supraoccipital bone occurs due to pressure from the cerebellum. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis and variable natural clinical progression of CM and syringomyelia in CKCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Driver
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
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17
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Histopathological Investigation of Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. J Comp Pathol 2012; 146:192-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Lee C, Won D, Cantoria MJ, Hamlin M, de Leon RD. Robotic assistance that encourages the generation of stepping rather than fully assisting movements is best for learning to step in spinally contused rats. J Neurophysiol 2011; 105:2764-71. [PMID: 21430272 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01129.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Robotic devices have been developed to assist body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and stroke. Recent findings have raised questions about the effectiveness of robotic training that fully assisted (FA) stepping movements. The purpose of this study was to examine whether assist-as-needed robotic (AAN) training was better than FA movements in rats with incomplete SCI. Electromyography (EMG) electrodes were implanted in the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius hindlimb muscles of 14 adult rats. Afterward, the rats received a severe midthoracic spinal cord contusion and began daily weight-supported treadmill training 1 wk later using a rodent robotic system. During training, assistive forces were applied to the ankle when it strayed from a desired stepping trajectory. The amount of force was proportional to the magnitude of the movement error, and this was multiplied by either a high or low scale factor to implement the FA (n = 7) or AAN algorithms (n = 7), respectively. Thus FA training drove the ankle along the desired trajectory, whereas greater variety in ankle movements occurred during AAN training. After 4 wk of training, locomotor recovery was greater in the AAN group, as demonstrated by the ability to generate steps without assistance, more normal-like kinematic characteristics, and greater EMG activity. The findings suggested that flexible robotic assistance facilitated learning to step after a SCI. These findings support the rationale for the use of AAN robotic training algorithms in human robotic-assisted BWSTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8162, USA
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Gelain F, Panseri S, Antonini S, Cunha C, Donega M, Lowery J, Taraballi F, Cerri G, Montagna M, Baldissera F, Vescovi A. Transplantation of nanostructured composite scaffolds results in the regeneration of chronically injured spinal cords. ACS NANO 2011; 5:227-36. [PMID: 21189038 DOI: 10.1021/nn102461w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The destruction and hollowing of entire tissue segments represent an insurmountable barrier to axonal regeneration and therapeutics in chronic spinal cord injury. To circumvent this problem, we engineered neural prosthetics, by assembling electrospun nanofibers and self-assembling peptides into composite guidance channels and transplanted them into the cysts of a postcontusive, chronic spinal cord injury rat model, also providing delivery of proregenerative cytokines. Six months later conspicuous cord reconstruction was observed. The cyst was replaced by newly formed tissue comprising neural and stromal cells. Nerve fibers were interspersed between and inside the guidance channels, spanning the lesion, amidst a well-developed vascular network, basal lamina, and myelin. This was accompanied by a significant improvement in the activity of ascending and descending motor pathways and the global locomotion score. Thus by engineering nanostructured matrices into neuroprosthetics, it is possible to recreate an anatomical, structural, and histological framework, which leads to the replacement of large, hollow tissue gaps in the chronically injured spinal cord, fostering axonal regeneration and neurological recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Gelain
- Biotechnology and Biosciences Department, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy.
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The efficacy of alpha-tocopherol in functional recovery of spinal cord injured rats: an experimental study. Spinal Cord 2009; 47:662-7. [PMID: 19290013 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2009.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to examine the effects of the alpha-tocopherol on rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Research Center, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHOD Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g were anesthetized with chloral hydrate (450 mg kg(-1) body weight) by intraperitoneal injection and laminectomy was performed at the T 7-8 level leaving the dura intact. A compression plate (2.2 x 5.0 mm) was loaded with a weight of 35 g placed on the exposed cord for 5 min to create SCI. The subjects were divided into three groups of eight rats each. Group 1 served as control (SCI+saline); whereas groups 2 and 3 served as test groups, alpha-tocopherol was given orally in doses of 1000 mg kg(-1) body weight for group 2 and 2000 mg kg(-1) body weight for group 3, respectively. Daily activities were recorded in the activity cage for 14 days post-operatively. RESULTS At day 1 (baseline, 24 h after the surgery), there was no significant difference between mean motor scores of all groups. After day 1, the three groups showed continuous improvement in motor score; such improvement was maintained throughout the duration of the study with different levels for each group. By the end of the study (day 14), groups 2 and 3 showed statistically significant improvement in the mean motor score compared with group 1 (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between test groups 2 and 3 by the end of the study. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the administration of alpha-tocopherol may have reparative effects for SCI because of its antioxidant effect.
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Heng C, de Leon RD. Treadmill training enhances the recovery of normal stepping patterns in spinal cord contused rats. Exp Neurol 2008; 216:139-47. [PMID: 19111541 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Revised: 11/01/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treadmill training is known to improve stepping in complete spinal cord injured animals. Few studies have examined whether treadmill training also enhances locomotor recovery in animals following incomplete spinal cord injuries. In the present study, we compared locomotor recovery in trained and untrained rats that received a severe mid-thoracic contusion of the spinal cord. A robotic device was used to train and to test bipedal hindlimb stepping on a treadmill. Training was imposed for 8 weeks. The robotic device supported the weight of the rats and recorded ankle movements in the hindlimbs for movement analyses. Both the trained and untrained rats generated partial weight bearing hindlimb steps after the spinal cord contusion. Dragging during swing was more prevalent in the untrained rats than the trained rats. In addition, only the trained rats performed step cycle trajectories that were similar to normal step cycle trajectories in terms of the trajectory shape and movement velocity characteristics. In contrast, untrained rats executed step cycles that consisted of fast, kick-like movements during forward swing. These findings indicate that spinal cord contused rats can generate partial weight bearing stepping in the absence of treadmill training. The findings also suggest that the effect of treadmill training is to restore normal patterns of hindlimb movements following severe incomplete spinal cord injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Heng
- Department of Biological Science, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8162, USA
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury typically results in permanent disability. Many studies have indicated that transplantation of several different types of stem cells promotes functional recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury. A conceptually different approach to utilize stem cells for regenerative therapies may be recruitment of endogenous neural stem cells resident in the adult spinal cord. We discuss the possibilities, risks, and mechanisms for stem cells in spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanie Barnabé-Heider
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Nobel Institute, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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