ANIMAL-MODEL OF SPINAL-CORD INFARCTION INDUCED BY CHOLESTEROL EMBOLIZATION

Though several animal models of ischemic brain infarction have been de veloped, no animal model of purely ischemic spinal cord infarction exi sts, In humans, such paralysis often occurs as a complication of aorti c surgery. While working on an animal model of cholesterol embolic ren al disease, the authors produced an animal model of ischemic spinal pa ralysis by direct intraortic injection of cholesterol suspension. With histologic examination of spinal cords of the paralyzed rats, promine nt cholesterol crystals were found obliterating the lumen of the anter ior and/or posterior spinal arteries, Spinal cord infarction was seen most prominently in the lateral columns and anterior horns, though oth er areas also were affected. Permanent paraplegia developed in most ra ts, but transient paralysis developed in a few, followed by partial or full recovery. This model of spinal infarction in nonanesthetized rat s can be used to study the pathophysiology and therapy of spinal infar ction.