Protocol for inducing varying TBI severity in a mouse model using a closed-head, weight-drop, impact-induced acceleration mechanism

Javier Allende Labastida; Massoud Motamedi; Ping Wu; Bartosz Szczesny

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103370

Protocol for inducing varying TBI severity in a mouse model using a closed-head, weight-drop, impact-induced acceleration mechanism

STAR Protoc. 2024 Dec 20;5(4):103370. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103370. Epub 2024 Oct 10.

Authors

Javier Allende Labastida¹, Massoud Motamedi², Ping Wu³, Bartosz Szczesny⁴

Affiliations

¹ Departments of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA.
² Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA.
³ Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA.
⁴ Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, USA. Electronic address: baszczes@utmb.edu.

Abstract

Animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are critical for understanding its complex neuropathology. Here, we present a protocol to induce varying TBI severities in mice using a closed-head, weight-drop model that includes an impact-induced acceleration mechanism. We describe steps for habituation with neurological severity score (NSS) equipment, assessing NSS baseline, performing anesthesia and TBI, assessing NSS post-injury, and analyzing data. This protocol requires no prior surgical intervention and is adaptable for rat studies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to PhD Dissertation of Javier Allende Labastida¹ and Tang et al.².

Keywords: health sciences; model organisms; neuroscience.

MeSH terms

Acceleration
Animals
Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / pathology
Brain Injuries, Traumatic* / physiopathology
Disease Models, Animal*
Male
Mice