title: Experimental models of spinal open neural tube defect and Chiari type II malformation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Experimental animal models are essential for investigation of the pathoembryogenesis, pathophysiology, and management strategy of spinal open neural tube defect (ONTD) and its associated anomalies including Chiari type II malformation. Genetic, chemical/nutrient, and surgical models have been widely used for a variety of purposes. The aim of this article is to review the representative animal models of spinal ONTD and associated Chiari type II malformation with respect to their advantages and disadvantages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Among them, the surgical model was described in detail because it is familiar to neurosurgeons and it is used for evaluations of prenatal repair of spinal ONTDs. The surgical model also has advantages because it allows quantitative analysis of the lesions. A description of our previous studies on spinal ONTDs using a chick surgical model is presented as an example.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Bum
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: Ji Yeoun
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ji Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Phi
authors.forename: Seung-Ki
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyu-Chang
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery