The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on functional recovery of spinal cord sectioned rats

The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection in the rat was studied. Twelve rats (6 male and 6 female) received HCG daily for the first week and then every alternate day for three weeks. Ten rats (5 male and 5 female) served as controls. Return of bladder function, Tarlov's grading and measuring the maximum angle at which the rats were able to climb up an inclined plane were used as criteria in assessing the functional recovery. Improvement was noted in the HCG-treated rats by the end of two weeks. At six weeks the recovery of HCG-treated rats as compared to the control group was very significant (p less than 0.001). No recovery whatsoever was noted in the control group even after six weeks. Histological evidence of bridging of the gap between the cut ends of the spinal cord by nerve fibres containing tissue was noted in the HCG-treated rats only. The possible mode of action of HCG on spinal cord injury is briefly discussed.