Article

Heterotopic ossification (HO) develops in about 20% to 30% of patients with
spinal cord injury (SCI) and significantly impairs their rehabilitation. There is
no effective prevention or treatment for this condition at this time. Our current
understanding of its etiology and pathophysiology is limited partially due to the
lack of clinically relevant animal models. In this study, we report a novel mouse
model of SCI-induced HO by administering a subthreshold dose of bone
morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 to muscles in mice after SCI. Micro-computed
tomography scanning showed that an intramuscular injection of 0.25 micrograms of
BMP-2 causes significant HO in mice with SCI but not in control (sham surgery)
mice. Our analysis of gene expression showed significantly increased BMP
signaling in quadriceps following SCI, suggesting that BMP signaling may play a
role in SCI-induced HO. Administering 0.25 micrograms of BMP-2 to the front arms
of the mice with SCI also results in the development of significant HO but not in
control mice. This suggests that SCI causes a systematic osteogenic effect, which
is not limited to paralyzed limbs. This novel mouse model will serve as a
powerful tool in exploring the molecular mechanisms of SCI-induced HO, which may
lead to novel treatment for this disease.

Langue : ANGLAIS