Abstract:

Objective The model of intestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury in rats was prepared with three different methods. The objective of this study was to explore the difference of the groups’ performance, and to provide a stable experimental animal model replica technique and reliable experiment basis for the research of secondary intestinal dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury. Methods Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, 12 rats per group: attack group (A), total traverse group (B), clamps group (C), and sham operation group (D). The BBB function test, myoelectric slow wave activity measurement, serum D-lactic acid content determination, and HE staining to observe intestinal tissue morphology were performed in 1 day, 3days and 7 days after modeling. Results The BBB functional scores and the amplitude of the myoelectricity slow wave of A, B and C groups in 1day, 3days and 7 days were lower than that of group D (P<0.05). The Chiu intestinal mucosa scores and serum D-lactic acid concentration were significantly higher than that of group D (P<0.05). After 7 days of modeling, there were significant differences between group A and groups B and C in serum D-lactic acid concentration (P<0.05). Conclusion Using different method to prepare the model of the spinal cord injury, groups A, B and C all showed the secondary intestinal dysfunction. However, the model replication of group A was more stable, and the mortality was lower, which is suitable for longer experimental cycle.

Key words: Spinal cord injury, Gastrointestinal dysfunction, Comparative research, Myoelectric slow wave activity;D-lactate, HE staining, Rat