Refinement of the spinal cord injury rat model and validation of its applicability as a model for memory loss and chronic pain

Background: Laminectomy produces trauma in spinal cord injury (SCI) animal models resulting in impinging artefacts and welfare issues. Mechanizing laminectomy using a dental burr assisted (DBA) technique to reduce the impact of conventionally performed laminectomy on animal welfare without any alterations in the outcome of the model was previously demonstrated. However, further validation was necessary to establish it as an alternative in developing SCI rats as a model of chronic pain and memory loss. Novel method: DBA technique was employed to perform laminectomy at T10-T11 vertebrae in rats undergoing contusion SCI as a model of chronic pain and memory loss. In a 56-day study, 24 female Wistar rats (Crl: WI) were assigned randomly to four equal groups: conventionally laminectomised, DBA laminectomised, conventionally laminectomised with SCI and DBA laminectomised with SCI. Results: The study revealed DBA technique to cause less surgical bleeding (p = 0.001), lower Rat Grimace Scale (p = 0.0006); resulted in better body weight changes (p = 0.0002 on Day 7 and p = 0.0108 on Day 28) and dark phase activity (p = .0.0014 on Day 1; p = 0.0422 on Day 56). Different techniques did not differ in Basso Beattie Bresnahan score, novel object recognition, mechanical allodynia, number of surviving neurons and the area of vacuolation- indicating that the new method doesn’t affect the validity of the model. Comparison with existing method(s): In comparison with the conventional technique, motorised laminectomy can be a valid tool that evokes lesser pain and ensures higher well-being in rats modelled for chronic pain and memory loss. Conclusions: The intended outcome from the model is not influenced by techniques whereas the DBA-technique is a refined alternative to the conventional method in achieving better welfare in SCI studies