title: GEMINI: Initial behavioral results after full severance of the cervical spinal cord in mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol has been developed to achieve a successful cephalosomatic anastomosis. Here, we report the preliminary data on the use of a fusogen [polyethylene glycol (PEG)] after full cervical cord transection in mice to facilitate the fusion of both ends of a sharply transected spinal cord.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cervical laminectomy and a complete, visually confirmed cervical cord (C 5) transection was performed on female albino mice (n = 16). In Group 1 (n = 8), a fusogen, (PEG) was used to bridge the gap between the cut ends of the spinal cord. Group 2 received the same spinal cord transection but was treated with saline. Outcome was assessed daily using a standard scale (modified 22-point Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale) and filmed on camera.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PEG group (group 1) showed partial restoration of motor function after 4 weeks of observation; group 2 (placebo) did not recover any useful motor activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this preliminary experiment, PEG, but not saline, promoted partial motor recovery in mice submitted to full cervical transection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: C-Yoon
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hanseul
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: In-Kyu
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Department of Stem Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Sung
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hong
keywords: Cephalosomatic anastomosis; GEMINI; PEG; spinal cord fusion