Effect of Minocycline on Acute Closed Spinal Cord Injury in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of minocycline on the secondary injury after acute closed spinal cord injury in rats. Methods:A total of 24 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into saline group (n = 8), magnesium chloride group (n = 8) and minocycline group (n = 8). The closed spinal cord injury model was prepared with balloon compression in the dorsal spinal cord of rat, which was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging. All rats were successively administered their own drugs for seven days after injury, respectively. They were assessed with BBB score two to 31 days after operation. Their motor-evoked potential and sensory-evoked potential were detected 31 days after operation, and then Luxol Fast Blue was used to observe the area of secondary injury. Results:Animal magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointense in T2 images in T10 spinal cord. BBB score was more in the minocycline group than in the saline group since 17 days after operation (P < 0.05). The amplitude of motor-evoked potential was higher in the minocycline group than in the saline group (P < 0.05), while the area of secondary injury was less (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Minocycline may protect the nerves from secondary injury after acute spinal cord injury.