ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Recently, a neuroprotective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was reported in a model of cerebral infarction and a model of acute spinal cord injury. However, the applied animal model was not established by impact method, different from pathophysiological process of human. OBJECTIVE:To observe effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on motor function in a rat model of spinal cord injury induced by Al en’s method. METHODS:Wistar rats were used to establish spinal cord injury at T 10 level using modified Al en’s method. They were randomly assigned to two groups, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group, treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and vehicle group, treated with equal volume of PBS. The motor function was evaluated with Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score and modified Rivlin loxotic plate test monitored at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days, and four-limb muscle strength was assessed using Grid walk test at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post-operatively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Hind limbs paralysis occurred in al animals postoperatively. Scores of Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan and modified Rivlin loxotic plate test were greater in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group compared with vehicle group at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days (P<0.05-0.01);mean Grid walk test errors were less in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor group compared with vehicle group at 14, 21, 28 and 35 days (P<0.05-0.01). Results indicate that motor function and four-limb muscle strength were improved fol owing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy compared with vehicle group, indicating that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has a positive effect on spinal cord injury.