Tissue calcium levels following spinal cord transection in rats.
Adult rats were subjected to midthoracic spinal cord transections. Three segments of spinal cord, each approximately 5 mm in length, were removed from each animal at intervals from 5 min to 48 h postlesion; one from the lesion site and one each immediately rostral and caudal to the transection. Total tissue calcium concentrations ([Ca]t) for each spinal cord segment were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and compared to control segments from untransected animals. [Ca]t levels in the segment at the lesion site was significantly elevated above control values at 30 min post-lesion, but decreased to control levels by 1 h. All other segments remained at control levels for the duration of the postlesion period. The rapid rise and fall of [Ca]t at the lesion site differs from spinal cord contusion studies in which [Ca]t remains at elevated levels for extended periods. It is postulated that the "open" transection injury permits the rapid clearance of calcium from the injury site.
Gelderd
J B
JB
Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Texas A and M University, College Station 77843.
Sampson
H W
HW
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D002818:Cordotomy; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000737:chemistry*
D002118:Calcium