Evidence that local non-NMDA receptors contribute to functional deficits in contusive spinal cord injury.
To investigate the role of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) types of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in traumatic spinal cord injury, we administered 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)-quinoxaline (NBQX), a potent and specific antagonist of non-NMDA receptors, to rats with a standardized contusive spinal cord injury. Focal infusion of NBQX into the injury site significantly reduced long-term hindlimb functional deficits as well as decreasing the time required for the rats to establish a reflex bladder. The results suggest that non-NMDA receptors at or near the injury site are involved in producing a portion of the functional deficits that result from contusive spinal cord injury.
Wrathall
J R
JR
Department of Anatomy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007.
Teng
Y D
YD
Choiniere
D
D
Mundt
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D003288:Contusions / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D017459:Receptors, Amino Acid; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*
D011810:Quinoxalines; D017459:Receptors, Amino Acid; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C062865:2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline