Changes in nitric oxide and expression of nitric oxide synthase in spinal cord after acute traumatic injury in rats

The aim of this study was to observe the time course of NO production and NOS expression in the spinal cord following acute traumatic injury. Rat spinal cord was injured by extradural static weight-compression, which resulted in an incomplete transverse spinal cord lesion with paralysis of the lower extremities. Using this model, measurement of NO by microdialysis and Griess reaction and histological and immunohistochemical examinations using polyclonal antibodies to nNOS and iNOS were performed from immediately to 14 days after injury. In injured cord, the amount of NO markedly increased immediately after injury and gradually decreased between 1 and 12 h after injury. A second wave of increase in NO level was observed at 24 h and 3 days after injury. Histologically, hematomas and necrotic changes were observed after injury and demyelination of nerve fibers increased with time in the compressed segment. Immunohistochemically, the number of cells with expression of nNOS was increased immediately to 12 h after injury. Expression of iNOS was observed from 12 h to 3 days after injury. These findings suggested that the initial maximal increase of NO production might be caused mainly by nNOS and that the second wave of increase in NO might be due mainly to iNOS.     

Cellular localization of tumor necrosis factor-alpha following acute spinal cord injury in adult rats

Posttraumatic inflammatory reaction may contribute to secondary injury after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key inflammatory mediator, has been demonstrated in the injured cord. However, the specific cell types that are responsible for TNF-alpha expression after SCI remain to be identified. In the present study, cellular sources of TNF-alpha were examined in rats that received a spinal cord impact injury at the 9th thoracic (T9) level. Here we demonstrate that, within hours after SCI, increased TNF-alpha immunoreactivity was localized in neurons, glial cells (including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia), and endothelial cells in areas of the spinal cord adjacent to the lesion site. Myelin breakdown was noted in oligodendrocytes that are immunopositive for TNF-alpha. In sham-operated controls, a low level of TNF-alpha immunoreactivity was detected. In antigen-absorption experiments, no TNF-alpha immunoreactivity was detected, indicating the specificity of TNF-alpha immunocytochemistry in the present study. Results suggest that various cell types, including neurons, glial cells, and vascular endothelial cells, contribute to TNF-alpha production in the injured cord.     

大剂量甲基强地松龙对大鼠脊髓损伤后iNOS表达及细胞凋亡的影响

目的：探讨大鼠脊髓损伤后应用大剂量甲基强地松龙(MP)对诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)表达及细胞凋亡的影响。方法：成年大鼠随机分为脊髓损伤后应用大剂量甲基强的松龙治疗组(A组)和应用生理盐水对照组(B组)，损伤后不同时间点(4h、8h、1d、3d、7d、14d、21d)按Tarlov标准评价大鼠双后肢神经功能恢复情况，然后处死。用HE染色观察损伤脊髓组织病理变化，用免疫组化染色检测iNOS阳性细胞，原位末端标记法(TUNEL法)标记凋亡细胞。结果：HE染色镜检发现脊髓组织病理学改变A组明显轻于B组。A、B两组均发现凋亡细胞及iNOS表达，神经细胞凋亡指数及iNOS表达均为B组＞A组(P＜0．01)。结论：大剂量甲基强的松龙能抑制大鼠脊髓损伤后iNOS表达及细胞凋亡。     

低剂量他克莫司治疗大鼠急性脊髓损伤的实验研究

目的：探讨低剂量他克莫司（tacrolimus，又名FK506）对大鼠急性脊髓损伤是否具有神经保护作用。方法：雄性Wistar大鼠72只，随机分为假手术组（12只）、损伤组（30只）和FK506治疗组（30只）。采用Allen’s打击法致伤大鼠T10脊髓，假手术组仅做椎板切除术。FK506治疗组在脊髓损伤后5min一次性经尾静脉注射FK5060．3mg／kg，其余两组以相同方法给予等量生理盐水。致伤后30min、6h、24h、48h、72h取伤段脊髓组织行病理观察及原位末端标记法（TUNEL）检测神经细胞凋亡，伤后1、3、7、14、21d行脊髓功能BBB评分和斜板实验。结果：伤后3、7、14、21d，FK506治疗组斜板实验和BBB评分明显优于损伤组，两组间比较差异有显著性（P〈0．05）；伤后各时间点FK506治疗组脊髓损伤区出血坏死较损伤组轻；伤后6、24、48、72h神经细胞凋亡FK506治疗组较损伤组明显减少，两组间比较差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。结论：在大鼠急性脊髓损伤后早期应用低剂量他克莫司（0．3mg/kg）治疗对神经具有保护作用，可减少神经细胞凋亡，减轻脊髓继发性损伤，促进脊髓功能恢复。     

The role of constitutive nitric oxide synthase in pathogenesis of secondary lesion after spinal cord injury. Preliminary results

BACKGROUND: Secondary lesion (SL) is an early phenomenon of cellular death following spinal cord injury (SCI). Nitric oxide (NO) could be involved in its pathogenesis. NO is a gaseous metabolite produced by 2 constitutive isoforms of NO synthase (cNOS), constantly active, and by 1 inducible isoform (iNOS), synthesized during inflammation and able to produce large amount of NO. High concentrated NO is toxic for cells; therefore, NO concentration is strictly and finely regulated. We suppose that major inhibitory effect on the iNOS expression is represented by the same physiological concentration of NO, synthesized by cNOS. The aim of this study is to assess the role of the 2 cNOS in pathogenesis of SL after SCI in rat. METHODS: A dorsal SCI has been performed on rats (n=5) by a vascular clip (50 g/mm(2) for 15"). Fifteen minutes after trauma, activity of nNOS and eNOS has been measured (U/mg) in the cervical, dorsal and lumbar segments of spinal cord. Uninjured rats (n=5) served as control group. m-RNA for iNOS in untreated rats (n=2) has been also investigated by Northern blotting. RESULTS: In injured rats nNOS activity has shown a reduction in dorsal and lumbar segments, compared to the control group. eNOS activity, highly variable in the control group, has not been detectable in injured spinal cord. i-NOS mRNA has not been found in spinal cord of uninjured rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results would be in line with our hypothesis and provide the bases for other investigations. New therapeutic strategies for SL prevention, based on the modulation of cNOS, will be evaluated.     

Acute molecular perturbation of inducible nitric oxide synthase with an antisense approach enhances neuronal preservation and functional recovery after contusive spinal cord injury

Abstract Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a key mediator of inflammation and oxidative stress produced during pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system (CNS) injury. iNOS is responsible for the formation of high levels of nitric oxide (NO). The production of highly reactive and cytotoxic NO species, such as peroxynitrite, plays an important role in secondary tissue damage. We have previously demonstrated that acute administration of iNOS antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) 3?h after moderate contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) potently inhibits iNOS-mediated increases in NO levels, leading to reduced blood-spinal cord barrier permeability, decreased neutrophil accumulation, and less neuronal cell death. In the current study we investigated if iNOS ASOs could also provide long-term (10-week) histological and behavioral improvements after moderate thoracic T8 contusive SCI. Adult rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10/group): SCI alone, SCI and mixed base control oligonucleotides (MBOs), or SCI and iNOS ASOs (200?nM). Oligonucleotides were administered by spinal superfusion 3?h after injury. Behavioral analysis (Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan [BBB] score and subscore) was employed weekly for 10 weeks post-SCI. Although animals treated with iNOS ASOs demonstrated no significant differences in BBB scores compared to controls, subscore analysis revealed a significant improvement in foot positioning, trunk stability, and tail clearance. Histologically, while no gross improvement in preserved white and gray matter was observed, greater numbers of surviving neurons were present adjacent to the lesion site in iNOS ASO-treated animals than controls. These results support the effectiveness of targeting iNOS acutely as a therapeutic approach after SCI.     

Shedding of tumor necrosis factor type 1 receptor after experimental spinal cord injury

In a number of stress conditions, the biological effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), such as the induction of neuronal apoptosis, are presumably attenuated by the soluble fragments of TNF receptors (sTNFRs). Within 1 h after spinal cord injury, increased synthesis and/or secretion of TNF-alpha is detectable at the injury site. However, the shedding of ectodomains of TNFRs in the traumatized spinal cord has not yet been reported. In the present study, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) by applying a 25-g Walsh-Tator aneurysm clip at the C8-T1 level. Sham-injured animals underwent laminectomy and facetectomy only. A PE10 catheter was placed in the subarachnoid space to collect the samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from near the injury site. These CSF samples were analyzed by ELISA for the presence of TNF-alpha and soluble TNFR1 and TNFR2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2, respectively). The spinal cord tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of TNF-alpha, TNFR1, and TNFR2, and by the TUNEL technique for the occurrence of neuronal death. The levels of TNFR1 and sTNFR1 in the injured tissue were determined by Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the increased neuronal expression of TNF-alpha and its receptors at 6 h post-ASCI. No changes in the intensity of staining were observed in the sham-injured rats. In addition, at 6 h after the injury, a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive neurons was observed. Numerous neurons in traumatized tissue were also immunoreactive for activated caspase-3, suggesting that the TUNEL-positive neurons were undergoing an apoptotic death. At 1 h after ASCI, TNF-alpha levels in the CSF were significantly higher than those found in the sham-injured animals, indicating the release of this cytokine into the interstitial fluid. This was followed by a significant increase, compared to the sham-injured controls, in sTNFR1 levels in the CSF at 3 and 6 h after the insult. Unlike sTNFR1, the levels of sTNFR2 in the CSF were unchanged at any time point post-ASCI. The increased shedding of TNFR1 was confirmed by Western blotting. It is concluded that the shedding of TNFR1 receptor may represent an important post-traumatic physiological response aimed at reducing the proapoptotic effect of TNF-alpha.     

Methylprednisolone reduces spinal cord injury in rats without affecting tumor necrosis factor-alpha production

Methylprednisolone (MPS) is the only therapeutic agent currently available for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about its therapeutic mechanisms. We have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a critical role in posttraumatic SCI in rats. Since MPS has been shown to inhibit TNF-alpha production in vitro, it is possible that MPS can reduce SCI by inhibiting TNF-alpha production. To examine this possibility, we investigated the effect of MPS on TNF-alpha production in injured segments of rat spinal cord. Leukocytopenia and high-dose intravenous administration of MPS markedly reduced the motor disturbances observed following spinal cord trauma. Both treatments also reduced the intramedullary hemorrhages observed histologically 24 hr posttrauma. Leukocytopenia significantly reduced tissue levels of both TNF-alpha mRNA and TNF-alpha, 1 and 4 hr posttrauma, respectively, and it also inhibited the accumulation of leukocytes in the injured segments 3 hr posttrauma, while MPS had no effects. Lipid peroxidation and vascular permeability at the site of spinal cord lesion were both significantly increased over time after the induction of SCI, peaking 3 hr posttrauma. These events were significantly reduced in animals with leukocytopenia and in those given anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody compared to sham-operated animals. Administration of MPS significantly inhibited both the increase in lipid peroxidation and the vascular permeability. These findings suggested that MPS reduces the severity of SCI, not by inhibiting the production of TNF-alpha at the site of spinal cord trauma, but by inhibiting activated leukocyte induced lipid peroxidation of the endothelial cell membrane. This suggests that MPS may attenuate spinal cord ischemia by inhibiting the increase in endothelial permeability at the site of spinal cord injury.     

Minocycline reduces cell death and improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in the rat

We examined the effects of minocycline, an anti-inflammatory drug, on functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats received a mild, weight-drop contusion injury to the spinal cord and were treated with the vehicle or minocycline at a dose of 90 mg/kg immediately after SCI and then twice at a dose of 45 mg/kg every 12 h. Injecting minocycline after SCI improved hind limb motor function as determined by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor open field behavioral rating test. Twenty four to 38 days after SCI, BBB scores were significantly higher in minocycline-treated rats as compared with those in vehicle-treated rats. Morphological analysis showed that lesion size increased progressively in both vehicle-treated and minocycline-treated spinal cords. However, in response to treatment with minocycline, the lesion size was significantly reduced at 21-38 days after SCI when compared to the vehicle control. Minocycline treatment significantly reduced the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells 24 h after SCI as compared to that of the vehicle control. DNA gel electrophoresis also revealed a marked decrease in DNA laddering in response to treatment with minocycline. In addition, minocycline treatment significantly reduced the specific caspase-3 activity after SCI as compared to that of vehicle control. Furthermore, RT-PCR analyses revealed that minocycline treatment increased expression of interleukin-10 mRNA but decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression. These data suggest that, after SCI, minocycline treatment modulated expression of cytokines, attenuated cell death and the size of lesions, and improved functional recovery in the injured rat. This approach may provide a therapeutic intervention enabling us to reduce cell death and improve functional recovery after SCI.     

Ephrin-B1在大鼠脊髓损伤的表达

[目的]探讨红细胞生成素诱导肝癌细胞株配体-B1 (Ephrin-B1)在大鼠脊髓损伤的表达变化.[方法]将60只成年Wistar大鼠分正常组、假手术组、伤后3、7、14 d及28 d组.假手术组大鼠不损伤脊髓,损伤组大鼠采用Allen's氏打击法损伤T10脊髓.分别在各个时间点取材,免疫荧光和Western Blot检测Ephrin-B1蛋白表达情况.[结果]免疫荧光结果显示Ephrin-B1在正常、假手术和损伤脊髓的灰质和白质中均有表达,但在损伤脊髓组织中表达较高,脊髓组织中的星形胶质细胞表达Ephrin-B1.Western Blot显示损伤组比对照组Ephrin-B1蛋白含量显著增加(P＜0.01),从伤后3d开始持续到伤后28 d;伤后14 d蛋白含量达到高峰,明显高于对照组及伤后其他组(P＜0.01);伤后28 d蛋白含量较14 d减少(P＜0.01),与伤后7d相比无显著性差异(P＞0.05).[结论]Ephrin-B1在大鼠脊髓损伤后表达升高,伤后14d表达升高显著,表达于脊髓的星形胶质细胞.     

Expression and effect of Caspase-3 in neurons after tractive spinal cord injury in rats

Thereisextensiveapoptosisafterinjuryofthecentralnervoussystem.Apoptosisisarathercomplicatedprocess,involvingwithsubtleregulationsofmacromolecules,likecellreceptor,adaptormolecule,proteaseandinhibitor.Among them,Caspaseproteasefamilyisthecoreinthe processo…     

诱导型一氧化氮合酶反义核酸对脊髓损伤后神经功能的影响

目的　观察诱导型一氧化氮合酶反义核酸 (ASODN iNOS)对大鼠脊髓损伤 (SCI)后神经功能恢复的影响。方法　设计并合成ASODN iNOS ,微量注入大鼠蛛网膜下腔后制备成脊髓压迫伤动物模型 ,伤后 6h用逆转录 聚合酶链反应 (RT PCR)检测iNOSmRNA表达变化 ,2 4h后用分光光度法测定组织中一氧化氮 (NO)含量和一氧化氮合酶 (NOS)活性 ,4周后用电生理、动物行为学和病理学等指标评价神经功能的恢复情况。对照组为正常组、损伤对照组和无义核酸对照组 (NSODN)。结果　SCI后组织中存在iNOS的表达 ,应用ASODN iNOS可以抑制相应酶的表达 ,并可以降低组织中的NO含量和NOS活性 ,改善神经传导功能 ,与损伤对照相比差异有显著性 ,NSODN没有上述作用。结论　脊髓损伤后应用iNOS反义核酸可以使伤后神经功能得到改善。     

他克莫司对大鼠急性脊髓损伤后细胞凋亡及热休克蛋白70表达的影响

目的探讨脊髓损伤后他克莫司（FK506）对热休克蛋白70表达的影响及其与神经细胞凋亡的关系。方法采用Allen法建立大鼠急性脊髓损伤模型。雄性Wistar大鼠72只,随机分为假手术组（n=12）、损伤组（n=30）和FK506组（n=30）。FK506组伤后5min一次性经尾静脉注射FK506（0．3mg／kg）,假手术组和损伤组以相同方法给予0．9％的生理盐水。术后行脊髓功能评分;逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）检测热休克蛋白70mRNA的表达;免疫组织化学染色检测半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3和热休克蛋白70的表达;原位末端标记法（TUNEL）检测神经细胞凋亡。结果热休克蛋白70mRNA和蛋白的表达在FK506组较损伤组明显增加（P〈0．05）,分别于伤后6、24h达高峰;FK506组半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3的表达和神经细胞凋亡均较损伤组明显减少（P〈0．01,P〈0．05）;脊髓功能评分在FK506组显著优于损伤组（P〈0．05）。结论FK506能抑制脊髓损伤后半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3的活性,减轻神经细胞凋亡,促进脊髓功能恢复,其机制可能与诱导热休克蛋白70表达增加有关。     

米诺环素对大鼠脊髓损伤后线粒体细胞色素C的释放及神经细胞凋亡的影响

目的：探讨大鼠脊髓损伤后应用米诺环素（minocycline）对线粒体细胞色素C的释放及神经细胞凋亡的影响。方法：成年大鼠脊髓损伤后分为应用米诺环素腹腔注射的治疗组（A组）和应用生理盐水的对照组（B组），于损伤后不同时间点取材，采用流式细胞仪磷脂结合蛋白V，碘化丙啶（AnnexinV／PI）双标检测凋亡细胞，HE染色观察损伤脊髓组织病理变化，免疫组化染色检测胞浆中细胞色素C表达阳性的神经细胞以及BBB运动评分观察术后动物行为学。结果：HE染色镜检发现损伤脊髓组织病理学改变A组明显轻于B组；免疫组化染色A、B两组均发现凋亡的神经细胞以及胞浆中细胞色素C的阳性表达，神经细胞凋亡率及细胞色素C表达的阳性细胞率B组均〉A组（P〈0．01）；术后动物行为学观察显示，与B组比较A组大鼠后肢的运动功能显著增强，后肢反射的恢复较快。BBB运动评分B组明显小于A组（P〈0．05）。结论：米诺环素能有效抑制大鼠脊髓损伤后神经细胞凋亡以及线粒体中细胞色素C的释放，促进神经功能的恢复。     

重组人促红细胞生成素对大鼠脊髓损伤后中性粒细胞趋化因子表达的影响及意义

目的 探讨重组人促红细胞生成素(rHuEP())对大鼠脊髓损伤后中性粒细胞趋化因子(CINC-1)表达的影响。方法 SD大鼠102只，随机分为4组，采用改良Allen’s脊髓损伤打击模型，以逆转录一聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定伤段脊髓组织CINC-1mRNA的表达情况。结果 正常脊髓组织内存在CINC-1mRNA的表达，脊髓损伤后CINC-1mRNA表达迅速增高，伤后6h达到高峰；rHuEPO治疗组脊髓损伤后6、12小时CINC-1mRNA表达明显低于NS治疗组.结论 CINC-1参与继发性脊髓损伤过程，rHuEPO抑制脊髓损伤后CINC-1mRNA的表达，对脊髓继发性损伤可能有保护作用，、     

体外转基因成肌细胞移植对大鼠损伤脊髓细胞凋亡的影响

目的：探讨大鼠脊髓损伤后胚胎脊髓和腺病毒介导的脑源性神经生长因子（AxCA-BDNF)体外转基因成肌细胞移植对大鼠脊髓细胞凋亡的影响。方法：将动物分为：大鼠脊髓半切洞损伤明胶海绵填充组（A组）,大鼠脊髓半切洞损伤应用胚胎脊髓移植组（B组）,脊髓半切洞损伤损伤AxCA-BDNF基因转染的成肌细胞移植组（C组）大鼠脊髓半切洞损伤后应用胚胎脊髓和AxCA-BDNF基因转染的成肌细胞移植组（D组）。手术后1、3、7、14、28d应用行为学和电生理检查观察大鼠功能恢复情况,对脊髓损伤区进行细胞凋亡的检测（TUNEL）以及Bcl-2蛋白表达的测定（免疫组化法）。采用计算机图像分析技术,进行定量分析。结果：A、B、C、D四组中均发现凋亡细胞及Bcl-2蛋白阳性表达细胞,图像分析发现,各组凋亡细胞核为A＞B＞C＞D;Bcl-2免疫反应阳性细胞表达顺序为D＞C＞B＞A,Bcl-2免疫反应阳性细胞的表达与大鼠后肢功能恢复有同样的变化趋势。结论：大鼠胚胎脊髓和体外转基因成肌细胞移植能抑制脊髓损伤后的细胞凋亡。     

脑源性神经生长因子转基因细胞移植和大剂量甲基强的松龙对脊髓损伤后细胞凋亡的影响

目的：探讨大鼠脊髓损伤后腺病毒介导的脑源性神经生长因子（AxCA-BDNF）体外转基因成肌细胞移植和静脉内注射大剂量甲基强的松龙（MP）对大鼠脊髓损伤后细胞凋亡的影响。方法：120只Wistar大鼠分为：脊髓挫伤组（A组），脊髓挫伤后AxCA-BDNF基因转染的成肌细胞移植组（B组），脊髓挫伤后静脉内注射大剂量MP治疗组（C组），脊髓挫伤后同时应用AxCA-BDNF和MP组（D组）。手术后1、3、7、14、28d用行为学和电生理检查观察大鼠功能恢复情况，并用计算机图像分析技术对脊髓损伤区细胞凋亡（TUNEL法）和Bcl-2蛋白表达（免疫组化法）进行定量分析。结果：四组中均发现凋亡细胞及Bcl-2蛋白阳性表达细胞．图像分析发现四组凋亡细胞核数为A组〉B组〉C组〉D组；Bcl-2免疫反应阳性细胞表达顺序为D组〉C组〉B组〉A组。大鼠后肢功能恢复和电生理检查也有类似的变化趋势。结论：体外转基因成肌细胞移植和大剂量MP都能抑制大鼠脊髓损伤后的细胞凋亡，促进大鼠后肢功能恢复，两者联合应用具有协同作用。     

Temporal and segmental distribution of constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthases after traumatic spinal cord injury: effect of aminoguanidine treatment

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to play an important role in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral ischemia. However, its contribution to the pathogenesis of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) remains to be clarified. This study determined the time course of constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthases (cNOS and iNOS, respectively) after SCI. Rats underwent moderate SCI at T10 using the NYU impactor device and were allowed to survive for 3, 6, or 24 h and 3 days after SCI (n = 5 in each group). For the determination of enzymatic activities, spinal cords were dissected into five segments, including levels rostral and caudal (remote) to the injury site. Other rats were perfusion fixed for the immunohistochemical localization of iNOS protein levels. cNOS activity was significantly decreased at 3 and 6 h within the traumatized T10 segment and at 3, 6, and 24 h at the rostral (T9) level (p < 0.05). Rostral (T8) and caudal (T11, T12) to the injury site cNOS activity was also decreased at 3 h after injury (p < 0.05). However, cNOS activity returned to control levels within 6 h at T8, T11 and T12 and at one day at T10 and T9 segments. iNOS enzymatic activity was elevated at all time points tested (p < 0.05), with the most robust increase observed at 24 h. Immunostaining for iNOS at 24 h revealed that a significant cellular source of iNOS protein appeared to be invading polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs). To assess the functional consequences of iNOS inhibition, aminoguanidine treatment was initiated 5 min after SCI and rats tested using the BBB open field locomotor score. Treated rats demonstrated significantly improved hindlimb function up to 7 weeks after SCI. Histopathological analysis of contusion volume showed that aminoguanidine treatment decreased lesion volume by 37% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that (1) cNOS and iNOS activities are regionally and temporally affected after moderate SCI, (2) the early accumulation of PMNLs are a potentially significant source of NO-induced cytotoxic products, and (3) acute aminoguanidine treatment significantly improves functional and histopathological outcome after SCI.