Rat spinal cord transection injury progression: An MRI study

Abstract

Transection Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) model in rats has been used to evaluate the efficacy of numerous visionary techniques aimed to preserve and regenerate damaged neural tissue and improve functional recovery. In recent years quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (qMRI) has shown the potential to visualize and extend SCI treatment efficacy assessment in a non-invasive manner. In this study, we used conventional and qMRI to follow rat transection SCI progression through a two-month period study, on a weekly basis, in order to identify crucial injury progress stages, vital for in vivo treatment assessment. This study validates the use of a 7T MRI scanner to visualize and quantify SCI damage on animal model, necessary for any forthcoming treatment approach.