Objective: Development of a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) model in rats using an aneurysm clip at the T10 vertebral level, with evaluation of hydrogel treatment effects
Materials & Equipment Checklist
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View Abstract
The HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF hydrogel promotes functional recovery of rats with spinal cord injury by regulating inflammatory cytokine levels and improving axonal regeneration.
Protocol Steps
1
Animal randomization
Randomize all 72 adult female Sprague Dawley rats into 4 experimental groups
Note: This step is performed for SCI, HAMC, and HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF groups only; sham group receives laminectomy without SCI
View evidence from paper
“an aneurysm clip with a force of 25 × g was used for 1 minute to develop an SCI model”
5
Hydrogel injection (treatment groups only)
Wait 5 minutes after SCI induction, then insert Hamilton syringe into center of traumatic area and manually inject 10 µL of HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF or HAMC hydrogel
Note: Performed for HAMC and HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF groups only
View evidence from paper
“A HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF or HAMC hydrogel injection was administered after 5 minutes of SCI. A Hamilton syringe was inserted into the center of the traumatic area and 10 µL of the HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF or HAMC hydrogel was injected manually”
6
Surgical wound closure
Close muscle and skin of surgical wound following hydrogel injection or SCI induction
View evidence from paper
“Following implantation, the muscle and skin of the surgical wound were closed”
7
Post-operative recovery
Place rats on warming pads until complete recovery from anesthesia
“The rats were then placed on warming pads until they completely recovered from anesthesia”
8
Post-operative care
Provide daily care including manual bladder emptying by compression and massage
Note: Continue throughout recovery period
View evidence from paper
“Daily care of the animals included emptying of the bladder by manual compression and massage”
Subjects / Specimens
Species
rat
Strain
Sprague Dawley
Sex
female
Count
72
Weight
200-230 g
Obtained from Laboratory Animal Center of the Military Medical Science Academy of China; randomized into 4 groups: sham, SCI, HAMC, and HAMC-KAFAK/BDNF (n=18 per group)
