Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Spinal Cord Neurons Isolation and Culture from Neonatal Mice
Published on: July 11, 2017
Neuroprotective effect of Scutellaria baicalensis on spinal cord injury in rats
Tae Y Yune1, Jee Y Lee, Chun M Cui
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Inflammation has been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis after spinal cord injury (SCI). Microglia are activated after injury and produce a variety of proinflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, cyclooxygenase-2, and reactive oxygen species leading to apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes. In this study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of total ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (EESB), after SCI. Using primary microglial cultures, EESB treatment significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of such inflammatory mediators as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production were significantly attenuated by EESB treatment. For in vivo study, rats that had received a moderate spinal cord contusion injury at T9 received EESB orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg. EESB inhibited expression of proinflammatory factors and protein carbonylation and nitration after SCI. EESB also inhibited microglial activation at 4 h after injury. Furthermore, EESB significantly inhibited apoptotic cell death of neurons and oligodendrocytes and improved functional recovery after SCI. Lesion cavity and myelin loss were also reduced following EESB treatment. Thus, our data suggest that EESB significantly improve functional recovery by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress after injury.
Insights
Total ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (EESB) reduces inflammation and oxidative stress after spinal cord injury (SCI). EESB treatment improved functional recovery and reduced neuronal damage in SCI rat models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers inflammation, involving activated microglia releasing proinflammatory factors.
- This inflammatory response contributes to neuronal and oligodendrocyte apoptosis, exacerbating injury.
- Identifying therapeutic agents to mitigate inflammation is crucial for SCI recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of total ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis (EESB) in a rat model of SCI.
- To determine EESB's impact on inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and cell death post-SCI.
Main Methods:
- Primary microglial cultures were used to assess EESB's effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mediator expression.
- In vivo studies involved administering EESB to rats with induced SCI and evaluating inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and functional recovery.
- Histological analyses examined lesion cavity size, myelin loss, and apoptotic cell death.
Main Results:
- EESB significantly inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in vitro.
- In vivo, EESB reduced proinflammatory factors, protein carbonylation, and nitration, and attenuated microglial activation post-SCI.
- EESB treatment led to reduced apoptotic cell death, smaller lesion cavities, less myelin loss, and improved functional recovery.
Conclusions:
- EESB demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects following spinal cord injury.
- EESB mitigates SCI-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby promoting functional recovery.
- Scutellaria baicalensis extract is a promising therapeutic candidate for managing spinal cord injury.
