Neurotoxic effects of intrathecal chloroprocaine on spinal cord in rats / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the neurotoxic effects of intrathecal (IT) chloroprocaine on the spinal cord in rats. Methods Forty male SD rats weighted 180 ～250g, which IT catheters were successfully placed, were randomly divided into 4 groups( n = 10 each). Group NS received normal saline 40 μl IT, group CP_1 received 2% chloroprocaine 40 μl IT, group CP_2 received 3% chloroprocaine 26.7 μl IT, and group CP_3 received 3% chloroprocaine 40 μl IT. The onset time of bilateral hindlimb paralysis were recorded. Degree of motor block was assessed and scored before (T_1, baseline) and at 10, 30, 60, 120, and 150 min (T_(1-6)) after IT injection. On the 3rd day after IT injection , specimens were obtained from lumbar spinal cord for mincroscopic examination. Results The onset time of bilateral hindlimb paralysis in group CP, and CP_3 was shorter than that in group CP_1. The onset time of bilateral hindlimb paralysis in group CP, was shorter than that in group CP_2. The motor block scores in group CP_1 and CP_2(T_(2-4))and group CP_3(T_(2_5)) were higher than that in group NS. The motor block scores in both group CP_1 and CP_2 at T_(4-5) was lower than group CP_3. The tissue damage in group CP_3 was severer, compared with group CP_1 and CP_2. Conclusion Large dose of 3% chloroprocaine may produce neurotoxicity to the spinal cord.