Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Contusion Model of Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Published on: August 17, 2013
[Mechanisms of the favorable effect of spinal anesthesia in traumatic shock]
Abstract:
Changes in the level of total peptidoleukotriens-pLT (LTC4 + LTD4 + LTE4) and inositol triphosphates (IP3) were analyzed in the thalamus of rats subjected to "tourniquet" trauma of both hind extremities (LD50) depending on the power of afferent nociceptive nerve impulses. Prevention of spreading, i.e., reduction of painful impulses from the damaged regions was achieved by the spinal anesthesia with bupivacain-chloride immediately after removal of the rubber bandage. Together with pLT and IP3 levels determined by radio immunoassay, physiologic parameters (mean arterial pressure, blood-brain barrier permeability) were also analyzed. Morphologic changes in the thalamus of rats were analyzed by electron microscopy. Extreme increase of the thalamic pLT and IP3 levels in traumatized animals together with increased blood-brain barrier permeability were found. Spinal anesthesia prevented, i.e., reduced these pathologic changes. Authors conclude that afferent painful impulses cause pLT increase in the thalamus and could modify CNS response to the trauma.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

