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Published on: July 11, 2017
The neuroprotective effect of high-dose methylprednisolone in rat spinal cord hemisection
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-2272, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple studies support a neuroprotective effect for high-dose methylprednisolone (MP) in acute blunt spinal cord injury. We know of no study that addresses the role of MP in prophylaxis for surgical trauma to the spinal cord or for the treatment of non-missile penetrating injuries to the spinal cord. We examined the neuroprotective effect of MP as measured by the retrograde transport of the fluorescent tracer Fluoro-Gold in 20 rats undergoing C-2 hemisection. Mean cell counts of retrogradely labeled rubrospinal neurons were determined 1 week post-injury. The group receiving MP had a significantly higher (P < 0.0001) number of labeled cells (x = 594) compared to controls (x = 387). The highly significant increase in mean cell counts in rats receiving steroids suggests less secondary axonal injury in the MP group. These findings are the first report of a neuroprotective effect of MP in rat spinal cord hemisection. We suggest that MP may be beneficial as prophylaxis during planned or incidental surgical trauma to the spinal cord and after non-missile penetrating injuries to the spinal cord.
Insights
High-dose methylprednisolone (MP) demonstrated a neuroprotective effect in rats with spinal cord hemisection, preserving more neurons. This suggests MP may benefit surgical spinal cord trauma and penetrating injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurosurgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- High-dose methylprednisolone (MP) is known for neuroprotection in acute blunt spinal cord injury.
- The role of MP in surgical trauma or penetrating spinal cord injuries is not well-studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effect of MP in a rat model of C-2 hemisection, a type of spinal cord injury.
- To evaluate MP's potential as a prophylactic agent for surgical or penetrating spinal cord trauma.
Main Methods:
- Twenty rats underwent C-2 hemisection.
- MP was administered to one group, while a control group received no treatment.
- Neuroprotection was measured by retrograde transport of Fluoro-Gold, quantifying rubrospinal neurons 1 week post-injury.
Main Results:
- Rats treated with MP showed a significantly higher number of retrogradely labeled rubrospinal neurons (mean = 594) compared to controls (mean = 387).
- The P-value was < 0.0001, indicating a highly significant difference.
- This suggests reduced secondary axonal injury in the MP-treated group.
Conclusions:
- Methylprednisolone (MP) exhibits a neuroprotective effect in rat spinal cord hemisection.
- These findings are the first to report MP's benefit in this specific injury model.
- MP may be beneficial for prophylaxis in surgical spinal cord trauma and treatment of non-missile penetrating injuries.
