Establishment and validation of rat model of cervical spondylosis with unbalanced dynamic and static forces

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) presents a trend of generalization and rejuvenation, which has a major impact on society and economy. This study aimed to construct a rat model of CS and verify its reliability. Methods: Twelve 6-month-old SD rats were selected and divided into normal group and model group according to the random number table method. The rats in the model group were modeled with the method of unbalanced dynamic and static forces. After three months, X-ray films and open-field experiments were performed. Rats were sacrificed and splenius head muscles were taken for HE staining and qPCR. Results: Compared with the normal group, cervical degeneration score was significantly increased in the model group （P < 0.05）; HE staining suggested that the muscle fiber hyperplasia was accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. The open-field experiments showed that the total distance and average speed of the model group were smaller (P < 0.05, P < 0.05); the total rest time was longer （P < 0.05）. In the expression of FGF7, FGF9 and KDR mRNA in the splenius head muscles of rats, the model group was less (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The rat model of CS with unbalanced dynamic and static forces was successfully established. The pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis has been also preliminarily studied.