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Pinealectomy in the chicken: a good model of scoliosis?

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Abstract

The phenomenon of spinal deformity in the pinealectomized chicken has led researchers to postulate a disturbance of melatonin activity as a potential cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). More recently, structural differences between curves seen in this model and those seen in scoliosis have been highlighted suggesting the deformities observed are not as similar as first thought. We examined melatonin levels, and the radiological and histological characteristics of scoliosis after pinealectomy in chickens. They underwent pinealectomy (P) at 2 days of age, sham surgery (S) or served as controls (C). Mean melatonin levels were 32.9 pmol/L (P), 175 pmol/L (S) and 227.3 pmol/L (C). Scoliosis developed in 75% of chickens after pinealectomy and 38% after a sham procedure. Nineteen percent of unoperated controls also developed scoliosis. A lower melatonin level was associated with the development of scoliosis (p ≤ 0.001), but exceptions were seen with levels up to 265 pmol/L observed in one case. Most of the curves occurring spontaneously and after sham surgery and almost half after pinealectomy were short angular curves: distinct from those resembling idiopathic scoliosis. These occur over one or two segments and are characterized by marked apical wedging, frequently associated with subluxation or dislocation. The intervertebral joint in the chicken is more like a synovial joint histologically than an intervertebral disc. This study highlights important differences between the chicken and the human, and between their respective spinal deformities. Caution is advised when drawing conclusions regarding the pathogenesis of AIS from this model.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the Bone Growth Research Fund, Adelaide. Prof B Vernon Roberts assisted with histological interpretation. Ms Angela Poli assisted with typing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Discipline of Orthopaedics and Trauma, The University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

    Andrew B. Fagan

  2. Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

    David J. Kennaway

  3. Spinal Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

    Andrew P. Oakley

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  1. Andrew B. Fagan
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  2. David J. Kennaway
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  3. Andrew P. Oakley
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Correspondence to Andrew B. Fagan.

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Fagan, A.B., Kennaway, D.J. & Oakley, A.P. Pinealectomy in the chicken: a good model of scoliosis?. Eur Spine J 18, 1154–1159 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0927-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0927-7

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