RESUMO
Recent studies revealed the neuroprotective effects of green tea antioxidant on experimental cerebral ischemia, but these effects on spinal cord injury [SCI] has not yet been studied. Rats were randomly divided into three groups of 18 rats each as follows: sham group [laminectomy], control group [SCI] and experimental group [EGCG]. Spinal cord samples were taken 24 h after injury and studied for determination of lipid peroxidation levels and TUNEL reaction. Behavioral testing was performed weekly upto six weeks post-injury. Then, the rats were euthanized for histopathological assessment. The results showed that lipid peroxidation levels were significantly decreased in experimental group. EGCG significantly reduced TUNEL-positive rate. Also, EGCG reduced significantly lesion area, and improved behavioral function more than the control group. EGCG treatment decreased secondary spinal cord injury