A new reproducible model of an epidural mass lesion in rodents. Part I: Characterization by neurophysiological monitoring, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathological analysis

Abstract

Object. The goal of this study was to characterize a new model of an epidural mass lesion in rodents by means of neurophysiological monitoring, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathological analysis. Methods. Changes in intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) values, intraparenchymal tissue partial oxygen pressure (PtiO2), and electroencephalography (EEG) activity were evaluated in the rat during controlled, epidural expansion of a latex balloon up to a maximum ICP of 60 mm Hg. The initial balloon inflation was followed by periods of sustained inflation (30 ± 1 minute) and reperfusion (180 ± 5 minutes). Histopathological analysis and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed to characterize the lesion. The time to maximum balloon expansion and the average balloon volume were highly reproducible. Alterations in EEG activity during inflation first appeared when the CPP decreased to 57 mm Hg, the LDF value to 66% of baseline values, and the PtiO2 to 12 mm Hg. During maximum compression, the CPP was reduced to 34 mm Hg, the LDF value to 40% of baseline, and the PtiO2 to 4 to 5 mm Hg. The EEG tracing was isoelectric during prolonged inflation and the values of LDF and PtiO2 decreased due to accompanying hypotonia. After reperfusion, the CPP was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) due to the elevation of ICP. Both the LDF value and EEG activity displayed incomplete restoration, whereas the value of PtiO2 returned to normal. Histological analysis and MR imaging revealed brain swelling with a midline shift and a combined cortical—subcortical ischemic lesion beyond the site of balloon compression. Conclusions. This novel model of an epidural mass lesion in rodents closely resembles the process observed in humans. Evaluation of pathophysiological and morphological changes was feasible by using neurophysiological monitoring and MR imaging.