Spinal cord trauma is one of the lesions with highest socioeconomical impact. To develop research on spinal cord field it is mandatory to use a reproductible model for inducing lesions. Standardized spinal cord injury (SCI) promotes changes not only in the nervous system but also systemic changes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary bladder changes during the acute phase of experimental spinal cord injury. METHODS: Thirty four Wistar male rats were allocated in 2 groups: controll (A) and experiment (B). While animals from group B underwent laminectomy at T9-T10 level followed by SCI, group A underwent only laminectomy at the same level (n=4). Animals from B were divided in 6 groups (n=5) and underwent euthanasia after 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 hours and 4 days. RESULTS: There was a decrease in the number of urothelial layers in group B, inflamatory cells and vascular congestion were present mainly after 8 hs and other findings. CONCLUSION: It was possible to conclude that there is an important histological bladder alteration in the acute phase of the SCI.
Spinal cord injury; Systemic changes; Rats; Hemorragic cystitis
