RÉSUMÉ
Objective To observe the changes of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in rat spinal motoneuron after upper motoneuron injury. Methods Thirty six adult male Wistar rats were selected. Spinal cord transection was made at the lower thoracic segment. The lumbar regions of spinal cord were removed immediately, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after surgery to be divided into dorsal and ventral sections. The content of CGRP in ventral section was detected using radioimmunoassay method.Results The level of CGRP in spinal motoneuron of the lumbar region was decreased significantly after transection of spinal cord, reached the lowest level on the 2nd day after surgery and then maintained at the low level.Conclusions The upper motoneuron injury can result in the decrease of CGRP content in spinal motoneuron.