The MASCIS Impactor is a device designed to deliver graded reproducible spinal cord contusions in rats. Developed over ten years ago, the Impactor is part of a well-defined rodent spinal cord injury model that is used in over 100 laboratories around the world. In addition, more than 50% of recent publications on spinal cord injury research used the MASCIS Impactor. Most of the recommended procedures for the Impactor are based on experience with the model and work done by the Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study (MASCIS).
The Impactor is now in its third generation with many improvements over previous models. It is available in a model with data recording capability (description and picture links) which requires a Pentium computer. It is also available in a basic model (The Rutgers Impactor) which only does the impact, not the recording of data.
Clamping systems are available for both rat and mouse. A clamping system is necessary for the Rutgers basic model and serves as a functional enhancement for the MASCIS model. (description and picture.) When using a clamping system with the MASCIS model, a CS-tie device also is needed.
A brochure is available describing the MASCIS Impactor.
For inquiries, prices, and quotes, please email: impactor@biology.rutgers.edu.
For workshops in the use of the MASCIS and Rutgers Impactors, please see Research and Training.
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
