Proprioceptive neuropathy affects normalization of the H-reflex by exercise after spinal cord injury

The H-reflex habituates at relatively low frequency (10 Hz) stimulation in the intact spinal cord, but loss of descending inhibition resulting from spinal cord transection reduces this habituation. There is a return towards a normal pattern of low-frequency habituation in the reflex activity with cycling exercise of the affected hind limbs. This implies that repetitive passive stretching of the muscles in spinalized animals and the accompanying stimulation of large (Group I and II) proprioceptive fibers has modulatory effects on spinal cord reflexes after injury. To test this hypothesis, we induced pyridoxine neurotoxicity that preferentially affects large dorsal root ganglia neurons in intact and spinalized rats. Pyridoxine or saline injections were given twice daily (IP) for 6 weeks and half of the spinalized animals were subjected to cycling exercise during that period. After 6 weeks, the tibial nerve was stimulated electrically and recordings of M and H waves were made from interosseous muscles of the hind paw. Results show that pyridoxine treatment completely eliminated the H-reflex in spinal intact animals. In contrast, transection paired with pyridoxine treatment resulted in a reduction of the frequency-dependent habituation of the H-reflex that was not affected by exercise. These results indicate that normal Group I and II afferent input is critical to achieve exercise-based reversal of hyper-reflexia of the H-reflex after spinal cord injury.     

Transplantation of fetal spinal cord tissue into the chronically injured adult rat spinal cord

Transplants of fetal central nervous system (CNS) tissue into the acutely injured rat spinal cord have been demonstrated to differentiate and partially integrate with the adjacent host neuropil. In the present study, we examined the potential for applying a transplantation approach to chronic spinal cord lesions. In particular, we were interested in learning whether host-graft fusion would be adversely affected by an advanced histopathology characterized in part by glial scar formation. Hemisection cavities were prepared at lumbar levels of the adult rat spinal cord 2-7 weeks prior to the transplantation of spinal cord tissue obtained from 14-day rat fetuses. Graft survival, differentiation, and integration with the host spinal cord were subsequently evaluated by light microscopic techniques at post-transplantation intervals of 1-6 months. Immunocytochemistry was also employed to examine the extent of astrocytic scar formation at the host-graft interface and serotoninergic innervation of the grafts. In some other cases, anterograde and retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase was used to determine whether axonal projections were formed between the host spinal cords and grafts. By 2 weeks after injury the initial lesion cavities were surrounded by a continuous astrocytic scar which remained intact for at least 7 weeks after injury in nongrafted control animals. In other animals, transplantation into these advanced lesions resulted in well-differentiated grafts with a 90% long-term survival rate. Although dense gliosis was still present along the lesion surfaces of the recipient spinal cord, foci of confluent host-graft neuropil were observed where interruptions in the scar had occurred. Donor tissue integrated most often with the host spinal cord at interfaces with host gray matter; however, some implants also exhibited sites of fusion with damaged host white matter. Thus, some regions of confluent graft and host neuropil could be routinely identified, despite the presence of a dense glial scar along the walls of the chronic lesion site at the time of transplantation. Anterograde and retrograde tract-tracing results suggested that some axonal projections into these grafts had originated from host neurons located immediately adjacent to the donor-recipient interface. In addition, immunocytochemistry revealed some host serotoninergic axons (presumably of supraspinal origin) traversing nongliotic interfaces. The results of this study raise the possibility that grafted fetal CNS tissue has a capacity for stimulating partial regression of an established glial scar.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Wind-up of stretch reflexes as a measure of spasticity in chronic spinalized rats: The effects of passive exercise and modafinil

Spasticity is a common disorder following spinal cord injury that can impair function and quality of life. While a number of mechanisms are thought to play a role in spasticity, the role of motoneuron persistent inward currents (PICs) is emerging as pivotal. The presence of PICs can be evidenced by temporal summation or wind-up of reflex responses to brief afferent inputs. In this study, a combined neurophysiological and novel biomechanical approach was used to assess the effects of passive exercise and modafinil administration on hyper-reflexia and spasticity following complete T-10 transection in the rat. Animals were divided into 3 groups (n = 8) and provided daily passive cycling exercise, oral modafinil, or no intervention. After 6 weeks, animals were tested for wind-up of the stretch reflex (SR) during repeated dorsiflexion stretches of the ankle. H-reflexes were tested in a subset of animals. Both torque and gastrocnemius electromyography showed evidence of SR wind-up in the transection only group that was significantly different from both treatment groups (p < 0.05). H-reflex frequency dependent depression was also restored to normal levels in both treatment groups. The results provide support for the use of passive cycling exercise and modafinil in the treatment of spasticity and provide insight into the possible contribution of PICs.     

Behavior of the H-reflex in humans following mechanical perturbation or injury to rostral spinal cord

In humans, H-reflexes are suppressed during early spinal shock. In animals, rostral cord injury results in loss of segmental reflexes within seconds. If H-reflexes persist under general anesthesia, can they be used to monitor the integrity of the rostral cord? In part I of this study, we recorded H-reflexes intraoperatively in 25 patients to elucidate general anesthesia effect. In 23 subjects, H-reflexes were consistently elicited, and within ±13% of the normalized group mean amplitude. In part II, we recorded H-reflexes in 31 patients during spinal cord surgery to elucidate H-reflex behavior immediately following rostral spinal cord injury. In 6, abrupt suppression of the H-reflex coincided with cord injury. In 4 of 6, suppression was transient and less than 50% of baseline; none of these patients developed neurological deficits. In 2, suppression exceeded 90% and persisted throughout surgery; both patients developed profound deficits. We conclude that (1) the H-reflex can be consistently elicited under general anesthesia in most patients, (2) rostral cord injury rapidly suppresses the H-reflex, and (3) the degree and duration of H-reflex suppression reflects the severity of the injury. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Growth, differentiation, and viability of fetal rat cortical and spinal cord implants into adult rat spinal cord

Successful transplantation of the fetal brain into adult host brain has been accomplished. These studies explore the growth, differentiation, and viability of E11, E12, and E15 rat fetal cortex and fetal spinal cord implantation into the spinal cord of adult rats (donor and host, Sprague-Dawley). Under deep Chloropent anesthesia, 70 rats had 1-mm cubes of fetal cortex inserted with pressure or by stylus injection subpially between the dorsal horn and dorsal column (left side), or implantation of whole segments of fetal spinal cord. Animals were prepared for light microscopy 14 and 21 days and 1, 2, and 3 months later. Implants by both fetal tissues had a 69% survival rate. The younger the fetal implant the higher the success of the implant (E11 greater than E15). The diameter of fetal spinal cord implants reached the diameter of control postnatal animals after 30 days. The implants not only increased in mass (up to 7-fold in some cases) but differentiated and matured (apolar, unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar) neurons were observed one to three months postimplantation. By 30 days postimplantation, fetal neurons had large, often crenated nuclei, with a large single prominent nucleolus. The most successful implants were the young E11 fetal spinal cord into the adult host spinal cord. These implants represent an initial successful transplantation of fetal spinal cord into adult spinal cord.     

Ultrastructure of fetal spinal cord and cortex implants into adult rat spinal cord

The ultrastructure of cortex and spinal cord from 11-, 12-, and 15-day-old fetuses implanted into the spinal cord of adult rats was studied over 3 months. Under deep Chloropent anesthesia, a 0.5 × 1.0-mm square of fetal cortex or a 1.0-mm segment of fetal spinal cord was implanted subpially between the left dorsal column and the dorsal horn of 70 adult rats. Implants grew toward gray matter, usually interfacing with the host at the isthmus between the horns of the spinal cord. However, implants were observed that occupied the entire left dorsal and ventral horns of the left half of the host spinal cord. Implants had concentric zones: A central zone with basal lamina lined joined channels and subjacent neuroglia; a zone of differentiating implant nervous system; a zone with basal lamina lined implant with overlying pial cells on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the implant; a zone that interfaced with the host with overlapping neuropil on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the implant. Neuron types were typical for cortical or spinal implants. Implants survived for 3 months and reached stages of neuronal and neuroglial maturation similar to controls. Both fetal spinal cord and brain were successful as implants, had delayed differentiation, and formed complex neuropils. The zone of overlapping interface of the donor and host is an anatomical indication of physiological and functional integration.     

Passive exercise and fetal spinal cord transplant both help to restore motoneuronal properties after spinal cord transection in rats

Spinal cord transection influences the properties of motoneurons and muscles below the lesion, but the effects of interventions that conserve muscle mass of the paralyzed limbs on these motoneuronal changes are unknown. We examined the electrophysiological properties of rat lumbar motoneurons following spinal cord transection, and the effects of two interventions shown previously to significantly attenuate the associated hindlimb muscle atrophy. Adult rats receiving a complete thoracic spinal cord transection (T-10) were divided into three groups receiving: (1) no further treatment; (2) passive cycling exercise for 5 days/week; or (3) acute transplantation of fetal spinal cord tissue. Intracellular recording of motoneurons was carried out 4-5 weeks following transection. Transection led to a significant change in the rhythmic firing patterns of motoneurons in response to injected currents, as well as a decrease in the resting membrane potential and spike trigger level. Transplants of fetal tissue and cycling exercise each attenuated these changes, the latter having a stronger effect on maintenance of motoneuron properties, coinciding with the reported maintenance of structural and biochemical features of hindlimb muscles. The mechanisms by which these distinct treatments affect motoneuron properties remain to be uncovered, but these changes in motoneuron excitability are consistent with influences on ion conductances at or near the initial segment. The results may support a therapeutic role for passive limb manipulation and transplant of stem cells in slowing the deleterious responses of motoneurons to spinal cord injury, such that they remain more viable for subsequent alternative strategies.     

Corticospinal tract transection reduces H-reflex circadian rhythm in rats

In freely moving rats and monkeys, H-reflex amplitude displays a marked circadian variation without change in background motoneuron tone. In rats, the H-reflex is largest around noon and smallest around midnight. The present study evaluated in rats the effects on this rhythm of calibrated contusions of mid-thoracic spinal cord and mid-thoracic transection of specific spinal cord pathways. In 33 control rats, rhythm amplitude averaged 29.0(+/-2.6 S.E.)% of H-reflex amplitude. Contusion injuries at T8-9 that destroyed 53-88% of the white matter significantly reduced the rhythm to 18.9(+/-2.4)% of H-reflex amplitude. Transection of the ipsilateral lateral column, which contains the rubrospinal, vestibulospinal, and reticulospinal tracts, or bilateral transection of the dorsal column ascending tract did not affect rhythm amplitude or phase. In contrast, bilateral transection of the main corticospinal tract significantly reduced the rhythm to 14.7(+/-6.6)%. These results indicate that the H-reflex circadian rhythm depends in part on descending influence from the brain and that this influence is conveyed by the main corticospinal tract.     

Neuronal progenitor transplantation and respiratory outcomes following upper cervical spinal cord injury in adult rats

Despite extensive gray matter loss following spinal cord injury (SCI), little attention has been given to neuronal replacement strategies and their effects on specific functional circuits in the injured spinal cord. In the present study, we assessed breathing behavior and phrenic nerve electrophysiological activity following transplantation of microdissected dorsal or ventral pieces of rat fetal spinal cord tissue (FSC_D or FSC_V, respectively) into acute, cervical (C2) spinal hemisections. Transneuronal tracing demonstrated connectivity between donor neurons from both sources and the host phrenic circuitry. Phrenic nerve recordings revealed differential effects of dorsally vs. ventrally derived neural progenitors on ipsilateral phrenic nerve recovery and activity. These initial results suggest that local gray matter repair can influence motoneuron function in targeted circuits following spinal cord injury and that outcomes will be dependent on the properties and phenotypic fates of the donor cells employed.     

Collagen implants and cortico-spinal axonal growth after mid-thoracic spinal cord lesion in the adult rat

We describe an experimental model to study regeneration of lesioned corticospinal tract (CST) fibers in the adult rat spinal cord. After transection of all CST fibers at mid-thoracic level the gap is grafted with a sterile, cell-free collagen matrix. Two methods of collagen-application are used: (1) injection of a fluid collagen solution into the lesioned area which self-assembles in situ and (2) implantation of a solid collagen gel. At 4 weeks post-implantation CST axons are anterogradely labelled with horseradish-peroxidase (HRP). The collagen implant is evaluated for ingrowth of CST axons. The histopathological reaction (gliotic response) around the lesion and within the matrix is also studied. After application of a fluid collagen solution into the lesion area HRP-labelled CST axons can be visualized within the implant. In addition, astroglial and reactive microglial cells invade the collagen-matrix. On the other hand, if collagen is implanted as an already self-assembled gel, no ingrowth of labelled CST axons nor of astroglial/reactive microglial cells is observed. Both methods of collagenapplication result in a considerable reduction of the gliotic response as compared to the ungrafted animals. We conclude that the method of application of collagen (i.e., fluid or gel) considerably affects the response of lesioned CST axons. The application of a fluid collagen graft which in situ self-assembles is beneficial for the regrowth of lesioned CST axons in rat spinal cord. In this respect the formation ' of an astroglial scaffolding structure within the (fluid) collagen, probably due to optimal integration between host and graft, is very important. The inability of injured CST fibers to enter the solid collagen graft may be related to the absence of an astroglial scaffolding structure within the implant. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Carbon filament implants promote axonal growth across the transected rat spinal cord

Significant regeneration of neural pathways following complete transection of the spinal cord has yet to be demonstrated. In the present study, we analyzed the ability of carbon filaments to function as a scaffold for the regrowth of injured axons in the rat spinal cord. Through the use of three different axonal tracing methods, severed spinal axons were observed growing on and between carbon filaments implanted into the completely transected rat spinal cord. Carbon filaments, by providing a favorable adhesive surface and also a possible guiding function, may prove useful in the treatment of spinal cord injury.     

胚胎脊髓移植在恢复损伤脊髓传导功能中的作用

目的：探讨胚胎脊髓移植在恢复损伤脊髓传导功能中的作用。方法：将Ｅ１４胚胎脊髓植入成鼠损伤脊髓后３０、４５、６０天时，用单位放电记录技术观察了正常脊髓神经元和移植物神经元的自发放电活动，及其对刺激坐骨神经、红核和同时刺激的反应。结果：正常脊髓神经元的自发单位放电多是一个低频的单发脉冲活动。无论选择那种刺激方式，都可见兴奋、抑制和无反应三种反应。术后３０天时，胚胎神经元的自发单位放电以高频电脉冲活动为主，簇状放电所占比例较大，对刺激有反应的放电单位数也较少；随着动物存活时间的延长，这些单位放电的情况逐渐向着低频、单脉冲以及高反应率的方向发展。至术后６０天时，胚胎神经元单位放电的频率、形式以及对刺激的反应情况都变得和正常神经元的相似。结论：胚胎神经元移植后经历了一个逐渐发育分化过程，在这个过程中它们有可能逐渐和宿主神经元形成了功能性突触连接。     

Experimental studies on spinal cord injuries in the last fifteen years

Abstract

Experimental studies on spinal cord (SC) injuries published from 1975 to 1989 in some of the most widely circulating neurosurgical journals were reviewed. The relatively large number of animal species utilized as well as the intensely variable dynamic or static methods employed to induce SC injury represent elements of confusion more than objective necessities in this field of research. In fact, the objective of SC injury research should be to solve the problem of severe SC injuries by either preventing and/or repairing SC damage, rather than looking for modalities to provoke a large spectrum of SC injuries with the result of establishing a correlation between for example, the clinical picture and trauma magnitude. It should be time to study all variables and treatments mainly in only one experimental model. The rat with a permanent paraplegia should represent such a model; the abdominal aorta occlusion for 45 minutes, distal to the renal arteries in rabbits should be the experimental model of choice for ischaemia. If a significant result, such as reversing permanent paraplegia, were obtained in rats, it would be logical to repeat the study in higher mammals and if successful' in humans. For the last decade of this century it is necessary to further study all the mechanisms implied in secondary SC damage as well as to attempt to repair definitive SC damage by using grafts and enhancing the potential regenerative ability of the SC with known and new growth factors. Presently, methylprednisolone, dexametasone, thiopental, naloxone, and hypothermia seem to have some clinical potentials that require studies in humans.     

人参皂甙对损伤脊髓诱发电位的影响

目的　研究猫急性脊髓损伤 (SCI)后脊髓诱发电位 (SCEP)的变化规律及人参皂甙 (GS)对其的影响 ,探讨 GS对 SCI的作用 ,旨在寻求治疗 SCI的新方法。方法　采用改良 Allen氏重量打击法制作猫急性脊髓损伤模型 ,动物随机分组 ,通过电生理及病理学方法 ,研究 SCEP的变化规律及 GS对其的影响 ,脊髓形态学的改变作为进一步的佐证。结果　 (1)损伤组伤后 SCEP辐值随时间延长逐渐变小 ,潜伏期逐渐延长 ;治疗组波形则逐渐恢复 ,6 h全部恢复 ,差异显著。(2 )光镜下两组均有水肿、中心性出血 ,神经元空泡变性 ,核溶解或固缩 ,尼氏小体消失 ,部分神经纤维脱髓鞘或断裂 ,损伤组最重 ,治疗组均有不同程度的恢复。结论　 GS对 SCI有治疗作用。     

Intraspinal transplantation of embryonic spinal cord tissue in neonatal and adult rats

Fetal rat spinal cord tissue was obtained on gestational day 14 (E14) and transplanted into 2-4-mm-long intraspinal cavities produced by partial spinal cord lesions in adult and neonatal rats. At regular post-transplantation intervals, light and electron microscopy, autoradiographic demonstration of tritiated thymidine labelling, and immunocytochemical localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were used to identify surviving donor tissues and to study their differentiation and extent of fusion with recipient spinal cords. In some experiments, wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) was also employed to examine whether neurons within the grafts projected axons into the host spinal cord and vice versa. Lastly, immunocytochemistry was used to determine whether any supraspinal serotoninergic (5-HT) axons from the host extended into the transplants. Over 80% of the grafts survived in lesions of both the neonatal and adult rat spinal cord for periods of 1-16 months (duration of experiment), and considerable maturation of donor tissue was evidenced, which even included the appearance of some topographical features of the normal spinal cord. Many of the transplants extended the entire length of the lesion, and were often closely apposed to the injured surfaces of the recipient spinal cords without an intervening dense glial scar. At post-transplantation intervals of 2-4 months, injection of WGA-HRP into the host spinal cord (5 mm from the transplant in adult animals or as much as 20 mm in neonatal recipients) demonstrated retrogradely labelled neurons and anterogradely labelled axons in the grafts. Likewise, injecting WGA-HRP into transplants in adult recipients resulted in labelling of neurons in adjacent segments of the host spinal cord; some labelled axons, derived from donor neurons, were also present in neighboring spinal gray matter. Finally, immunocytochemistry revealed 5-HT-like immunoreactive fibers in transplants that had been prelabelled with tritiated thymidine. These observations demonstrate the potential of embryonic spinal cord transplants to replace damaged intraspinal neuronal populations and to restore some degree of anatomical continuity between the isolated rostral and caudal stumps of the injured mammalian spinal cord.     

大鼠脊髓损伤后Nogo-A表达变化的免疫组织化学研究

目的观察大鼠脊髓损伤后不同时间点Nogo—A蛋白在脊髓的表达变化。方法大鼠分脊髓损伤组、假手术组和正常对照组。损伤动物存活1d、3d、7d后，分别进行Nogo—A抗体的免疫组织化学染色。结果损伤部位的灰质神经元和白质少突胶质细胞均呈明显的Nogo—A免疫阳性反应，随着损伤后存活时间的延长，两者的阳性反应细胞相对染色强度及数量均逐渐下降。结论脊髓损伤后，Nogo—A在灰质神经元有表达，其表达相对强度和表达细胞数量先明显增加，随后逐渐减少，与少突胶质细胞的表达变化相似。     

甲基强的松龙对急性脊髓损伤神经元保护作用的实验研究

目的探讨甲基强的松龙对急性脊髓损伤(ASCI)后神经元是否具有保护作用。方法大鼠随机分为2组，即模型组和正常对照组(N组)，模型组建立脊髓半横断损伤模型后又分两组，即激素治疗组(M组)，腹腔注射甲基强的松龙(MP)；模型对照组(B组)术后不做处理。每组大鼠观察损伤后3d、7d、15d和30d。取脊髓损伤部位标本做光镜病理组织学检查，观察正常神经元和变性神经元的数量变化。结果(1)B组在ASCI早期脊髓损伤区的灰白质被明显的破坏，有出血及坏死，可见多量空泡状细胞和溃变的神经纤维，部分组织液化。在损伤灶内见正常神经元及神经纤维的数量稀少，多数神经元呈现不同程度的变性乃至坏死。随着时间的延长，神经元数量进一步减少，胶质细胞增生形成疤痕，或者液化形成囊腔。病变常常累及对侧组织，而M组的脊髓损伤区组织结构的变化与B组基本相同。(2)在ASCI后3d，M组的正常神经元数量少于B组，变性神经元数量与B组相近；在损伤7d以后，随着时间的延长，B组的变性神经元数量减少的同时，正常神经元的数量稍有减少，而M组的变性神经元数量减少的同时，正常神经元数量有所增加。结论(1)MP对ASCI后的继发性组织结构破坏无明显的改善作用；(2)MP在ASCI早期能促使神经元的死亡，但在后期能增加正常神经元的数量，其机理有待于进一步研究。     

The effects of arm cranking exercise and training on platelet aggregation in male spinal cord individuals

Platelet aggregation at rest and in responses to exercise and training were compared between spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals (N=5) and able-bodied subjects (N=7). All participants performed arm cranking exercise at 60-65% VO(2peak) for 30 min. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after sub-maximal exercise and measured for platelet aggregation using ADP and collagen. To assess the effects of arm cranking training, platelet aggregation was re-measured in all subjects at rest and in response to the sub-maximal arm cranking exercise after 12 weeks of individually supervised training programme. Before training, the resting mean values of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen were not different (P>0.05) between SCI and able-bodied. However the SCI individuals, but not the able-bodied subjects, exhibited a significantly (P<0.05) higher maximal platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen following sub-maximal arm cranking exercise. Although VO(2peak) after training was significantly increased (P<0.05) in both groups, the resting mean values of platelet aggregation induced with ADP and collagen were not significantly different (P>0.05) from those observed before training and were not different (P>0.05) between SCI and able-bodied. Post-training, the SCI individuals, but not able-bodied individuals, exhibited a significant decrease (P<0.05) in platelet aggregation following sub-maximal arm cranking exercise and this occurred with both ADP and collagen. These results suggest that SCI individuals, but not normal subjects increase their platelet aggregation following sub-maximal arm cranking exercise. Furthermore, arm cranking training in SCI individuals, appears to diminish the percentage of platelet aggregation ex vivo.     

慢性压迫性脊髓损伤后巢蛋白mRNA表达的观察

目的观察成年大鼠慢性压迫性脊髓损伤后及减压后早期巢蛋白与巢蛋白mRNA的相关性表达。方法选用健康wistar大鼠50只，体重280～320g，制备慢性压迫性脊髓损伤中度、重度及重度损伤减压后3d、10d模型，取自距胜迫边缘5mm段脊髓组织切片。正常成年大鼠作为对照组。行巢蛋白免疫组织化学染色，巢蛋白mRNA原位杂交实验，计算机罔像分析仪定量分析，观察巢蛋白、巢蛋白mRNA在脊髓中央管、灰质和白质中表达的变化，探讨巢蛋白与巢蛋白mRNA表达的相关性。结果成年大鼠慢性膻迫性脊髓损伤中、重度及重度压迫损伤减压后3d，巢蛋白在自、灰质及脊髓中央管室管膜细胞中均有明显表达（P〈0．05），以重度压迫组最为显著（P〈0．01）。减压后10d组灰质与正常对照组比较，差异无显著性意义（P=0．483）。重度压迫组及减压后3d组，巢蛋白mRNA在脊髓灰质、白质及中央管室管膜细胞中均有显著性表达（P〈0．05），以灰质前角第Ⅸ板层、后角和室管膜下区最为显著。中度压迫组，巢蛋白mRNA在灰质前角第Ⅸ板层及中央管室管膜细胞中有显著性表达（P〈0．05），其余区域仅有微弱表达，而白质内巢蛋白mRNA表达于软脊膜下星形胶质细胞的足突中。减压后10d组灰质内巢蛋白mRNA的表达与正常对照组比较，无显著性差异（P=0．375）。正常对照组中无表达。结论成年大鼠慢性压迫性脊髓损伤及减压后早期存在神经前体细胞的增殖。增殖的神经前体细胞巢蛋白与巢蛋白mRNA表达的相关性具有与胚胎发育期脊髓相似的特征。     

香芹酚对大鼠急性脊髓损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨香芹酚对大鼠脊髓损伤（SCI）后神经功能的影响及其机制。方法 将60只雄性SD大鼠（200~250 g）随机分为5组:假手术组（n=12）、SCI组（n=12）、香芹酚组（n=36）,香芹酚组根据香芹酚剂量分为低、中、高剂量3个亚组,每亚组12只。低、中、高剂量香芹酚组SCI后30 min腹腔注射香芹酚,剂量分别为10、20、40 mg/kg,每日一次;假手术组和SCI组每日腹腔注射等量生理盐水。采用Allen法建立大鼠SCI模型;假手术组只行椎板切除手术。SCI后24、48、72 h,采用BBB评分评估大鼠神经功能;SCI后72 h,采用ELISA法检测损伤脊髓组织丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽（GSH）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、caspase-3活性;Western-blot法检测损伤脊髓组织Bax,Bcl-2蛋白表达水平。结果 SCI后,大鼠BBB评分均明显降低（P<0.05）,损伤脊髓组织水肿指数以及MDA、caspase-3和Bax水平均明显增高（P<0.05）,而SOD、GSH、CAT、Bcl-2水平均明显降低（P<0.05）;香芹酚能明显改善大鼠BBB评分（P<0.05）,明显降低水肿指数以及MDA、caspase-3和Bax水平（P<0.05）,而显著增加CAT、SOD、GSH、Bcl-2水平（P<0.05）。结论 香芹酚可通过减轻脊髓水肿、抑制氧化应激反应以及抗凋亡作用而对SCI大鼠发挥神经保护作用。