The development of scoliosis following pinealectomy in young chickens is not the result of an artifact of the surgical procedure

K. Bagnall, J. Raso, M. Moreau, J. Mahood, X. Wang, M. Beuerlein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pinealectomy in young chickens consistently results in scoliosis which has many characteristics similar to those seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains a mystery and it is not yet entirely clear whether some unidentified aspect of the extensive surgery is the major factor rather than the removal of the pineal gland. Four different types of pinealectomy surgery were performed on young chickens as well as deliberate damage to the cerebral cortex which simulated the extreme of any accidental damage that might occur during surgery. Scoliosis was assessed from weekly radiographs. No differences in incidence of scoliosis, degree of severity or pattern of curve development were observed for any of the experimental groups when compared with controls. In all groups approximately 55% of the chickens developed scoliosis that progressed rapidly. Different pinealectomy procedures and deliberate damage to the cerebral cortex produce scoliosis in young chickens with the same incidence and characteristics. This suggests strongly that the mechanism behind the phenomenon is due to the removal of the pineal gland and not some artifact of the extensive surgery. The pinealectomy model in young chickens is proving to be a good model for studying AIS in humans. An understanding of the mechanism underlying this phenomenon has the potential to provide further insights into the aetiology of AIS and can lead to the development of novel treatement methods.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch into Spinal Deformities 3
PublisherIOS Press
Pages3-9
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)1586032666, 9781586032661
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2002
Event3rd Biannual Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities - Clermont Ferrand, France
Duration: May 26 2000May 30 2000

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume88
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Other

Other3rd Biannual Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityClermont Ferrand
Period5/26/005/30/00

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

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