Is subdiaphragmatic aortic cross-clamping a suitable model for spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury study in rats?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of subdiaphragmatic aortic cross-clamping in an experimental model of ischemia/reperfusion injury of the spinal cord in albino rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=18): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion, I/R). G-2 rats were submitted to 30 min subdiafragmatic aortic cross-clamping. G-1 rats served as controls and were submitted to surgical trauma (laparotomy) without ischemia. Samples (spinal cord and arterial blood) were collected at the end of ischemic period and 10 (T-10) and 20 (T-20) min later in G-2 rats. Sham rats (G-1) samples were collected at the same time-points. Blood and tissue metabolites concentrations of pyruvate, lactate, glucose and medullary adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were assayed.

RESULTS

Blood and tissue concentrations of pyruvate and glucose as well as lactate and medullary ATP were not different when comparing G1 to G2. Lactacemia was significantly elevated in G-2 compared with G-1 rats during reperfusion (T-10).

CONCLUSION

Subdiaphragmatic aortic cord cross-clamping is not a suitable rat model for spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury study as it does not ensure changes in in vivo tissue metabolites concentrations similar to those found in tissues subjected to ischemia/reperfusion.