Wang, HongxingZhang, Yi PingCai, JunShields, Lisa B. E.Tuchek, Chad A.Shi, RiyiLi, JiananShields, Christopher B.Xu, Xiao-Ming2019-07-302019-07-302016-02Wang, H., Zhang, Y. P., Cai, J., Shields, L. B., Tuchek, C. A., Shi, R., … Xu, X. M. (2016). A Compact Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Model in Mice. Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology, 75(2), 183–196. doi:10.1093/jnen/nlv019https://hdl.handle.net/1805/20033Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a common injury on the battlefield and often results in permanent cognitive and neurological abnormalities. We report a novel compact device that creates graded bTBI in mice. The injury severity can be controlled by precise pressures that mimic Friedlander shockwave curves. The mouse head was stabilized with a head fixator, and the body was protected with a metal shield; shockwave durations were 3 to 4 milliseconds. Reflective shockwave peak readings at the position of the mouse head were 12 6 2.6 psi, 50 6 20.3 psi, and 100 6 33.1 psi at 100, 200, and 250 psi predetermined driver chamber pressures, respectively. The bTBIs of 250 psi caused 80% mortality, which decreased to 27% with the metal shield. Brain and lung damage depended on the shockwave duration and amplitude. Cognitive deficits were assessed using the Morris water maze, Y-maze, and open-field tests. Pathological changes in the brain included disruption of the blood-brain barrier, multifocal neuronal and axonal degeneration, and reactive gliosis assessed by Evans Blue dye extravasation, silver and Fluoro-Jade B staining, and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry, respectively. Behavioral and pathological changes were injury severity-dependent. This mouse bTBI model may be useful for investigating injury mechanisms and therapeutic strategies associated with bTBI.en-USPublisher PolicyBehavioral assessmentsBlast injuryEdemaNeuronal degenerationTraumatic brain injuryArticle