Transient Spinal Ischemia in the Rat: Characterization of Behavioral and Histopathological Consequences as a Function of the Duration of Aortic Occlusion

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Abstract
To characterize the behavioral and histopathological changes that occur in spinal cord after transient ischemia, reversible occlusion of the descending aorta was achieved in the halothane (1–1.5%)-anesthetized rat by the insertion and subsequent inflation of a 2F Fogarty catheter for 10, 15, 20, or 30 min, Neurological recovery was tested during 8 h of reperfusion. After reflow, animals undergoing 30 min of ischemia displayed an initial flaccidity at 1 h, spasticity at 4 h, and flaccidity at the end of 8 h. Following 20 min of ischemia the initial flaccidity was followed by hindlimb spasticity that persisted for 8 h. Shorter intervals of ischemia had minimal effects on motor function. After reflow, animals developed a prominent allodynea, the incidence of which was dependent on the duration of ischemia. A clear correlation of histopathological changes with the degree of neurological deficit was noted. In spastic animals, small and medium-sized interneurons localized in laminae III to VII were affected. Animals with flaccidity at 8 h additionally displayed a significant incidence of argyrophilic A motoneurons in the ventral horns. Corresponding to the frequent appearance of allodynea, these animals also showed a significant number of damaged neurons in lamina II.

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