[Evoked spinal potentials in the Wistar rat: effect of cord compression and drugs]

Changes of the evoked spinal cord potential (ESP) were measured in Wistar rats by giving acute compression to the spinal cord injury. The effects of Naloxone, methylprednisolone and prostaglandin E1 on ESP of the damaged spinal cord were also closely examined. Normal ESP of rats showed two negative peaks, an initial wave (the 1st potential) and a subsequent gentle and small wave (the 2nd potential). After placing a 10 g weight on the spinal cord, the potential decreased in amplitude and prolonged in latency, disappearing one by one within five minutes. After removal of the weight, the potentials reappeared in the reverse order of their disappearance. Recovery of the potentials was more remarkable in rats treated with Naloxone, methylprednisolone, and prostaglandin E1. This animal model proved useful in studying of acute compression injury of the spinal cord.