Using methylprednisolone to supplement direct current electrical field in promoting spinal-cord regeneration.
In order to compensate for the fact that direct current electrical fields could not reduce or correct spinal-cord edema after trauma, methylprednisolone was used 2 hr after spinal-cord injury to promote the efficacy of the direct current electrical field. Thirty-three dogs were randomly divided into three groups and their spinal cords were injured with the Allen method (weight-dropping technique). Group A, a control group; Group B, implantation of an electrical stimulator 6 hr after spinal-cord injury; and Group C, given an injection of a large dose of methylprednisolone 2 hr after injury. Electric stimulators were implanted into the dogs' bodies 6 hr post-injury. The nerve functions, evoked potential cortical somatosensory and three kinds of nerve morphometric changes, were observed 1 to 3 months after injury. The indexes of Groups B and C were much better than Group A (p<0.05). The results in Group C were better than in Group B. Differences were statistically significant. The combination of direct current electrical field and an injection of a large dose of methylpredwisolone could effectively treat spinal cord injury, promoting earlier recovery of nerve function.
Shen
Ning-jiang
NJ
Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan, China.
Wang
Yu-tian
YT
Lin
Qin-biao
QB
Cai
Ji
J
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology; D024022:Fibrillar Collagens / Q000378:metabolism; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009562:Nissl Bodies / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D024022:Fibrillar Collagens; D008775:Methylprednisolone