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Spinal cord protection with intravenous nimodipine. A functional and morphologic evaluation
A Schittek1, G B Bennink, D A Cooley
1Texas Heart Institute, Houston 77225-0345.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, protected the spinal cord from ischemia during aortic clamping in pigs. This treatment improved motor function and reduced neuronal damage, even with low spinal perfusion pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spinal cord ischemia is a risk during thoracic aortic procedures.
- Maintaining spinal cord perfusion pressure is critical.
- Calcium channel blockers are investigated for neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of nimodipine during thoracic aorta crossclamping.
- To assess the impact of nimodipine on spinal cord function and morphology.
- To determine if nimodipine offers protection despite low spinal perfusion pressure.
Main Methods:
- 18 pigs underwent thoracic aorta crossclamping for 30 minutes.
- Nine pigs received intravenous nimodipine; nine received a carrier solution.
- Postoperative motor function and spinal cord histology were examined.
Main Results:
- Eight of nine nimodipine-treated pigs walked post-operation versus two of nine controls.
- Nimodipine group showed swollen neurons and less necrosis compared to control group's diffuse neuronal necrosis.
- Most animals experienced negative central spinal perfusion pressure.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous nimodipine provides significant spinal cord protection during ischemic events.
- Nimodipine's protective effects are evident even with critically low spinal perfusion pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers represent a viable therapeutic strategy for preventing spinal cord injury.