Citation

Sackheim AM, Stockwell D, Villalba N, Haines L, Scott CL, Russell S, Hammack SE, Freeman K. J. Surg. Res. 2017; 213: 100-109.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont; Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont. Electronic address: Kalev.freeman@uvm.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jss.2017.02.016

PMID

28601302

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the extent to which murine models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) replicate clinically relevant neurologic outcomes is critical for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. We determined sensorimotor outcomes in a mouse model of TBI and validated the use of a standardized neurologic examination scoring system to quantify the extent of injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a lateral fluid percussion injury model of TBI and compared TBI animals to those that underwent sham surgery. We measured neurobehavioral deficits using a standardized 12-point neurologic examination, magnetic resonance imaging, a rotating rod test, and longitudinal acoustic startle testing.

RESULTS: TBI animals had a significantly decreased ability to balance on a rotating rod and a marked reduction in the amplitude of acoustic startle response. The neurologic examination had a high inter-rater reliability (87% agreement) and correlated with latency to fall on a rotating rod (Rs = -0.809).

CONCLUSIONS: TBI impairs sensorimotor function in mice, and the extent of impairment can be predicted by a standardized neurologic examination.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Acoustic startle response; Injury severity score; Neurologic assessment; Sensorimotor function; Traumatic brain injury