[Sequential changes of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha in experimental spinal cord injury and its significance]

To investigate the sequential changes of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) in experimental spinal cord(SCI) injury in rats and analyze its potential effects on SCI.

Static compression model of SCI was employed in this study. Expressions of HIF-1 alpha were measured with immunohistochemical staining. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptotic ratio and bcl-2 expressions.

HIF-1 alpha began to increase one day after injury, and reached peak at 3-7 days. Two weeks later, it declined significantly. The sequential changes of HIF-1 alpha coincided well with the alterations of apoptotic ratio and bcl-2 content.

HIF-1 alpha may participate in the secondary ischemic and hypoxic procedures after spinal cord injury and mediate the traumatic apoptosis. Further understanding of HIF-1 alpha may provide new therapeutic regimens for SCI.