Methylene blue decreases ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced spinal cord injury: an in vivo study in an I/R rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of intravenous methylene blue (MB) administration on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the spinal cord (SC).


METHODS
16 rabbits were randomly assigned either to group M (n = 8; receiving MB, intervention group) or group C (n = 8; control group) and underwent a 30-min period of SC ischemia by clamping the abdominal aorta between the left renal artery and the aortic bifurcation. 15 min before clamping, rabbits received either intravenous MB (10 mg/kg; group M) or normal saline (group C). The two groups were compared 24 h postoperatively both histologically and for neurological function, using a Tarlov score. Measurements to determine levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the SC tissue were also performed.


RESULTS
Neurological impairment and spinal tissue MDA levels were significantly lower in animals treated with MB (p < 0.001). In contrast, spinal GSH levels were significantly higher in group M (p < 0.001). Histological examination revealed that the integrity of the SC was better preserved in the MB group, whereas cords from the control group exhibited evidence of acute neuronal injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The prophylactic use of MB reduces neurological injury and improves clinical outcomes in the rabbit SC I/R model. These effects are probably mediated by the drug's antioxidant properties.
Bardakci
H
H
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. hasmetbardakci@yahoo.com
Kaplan
S
S
Karadeniz
U
U
Ozer
C
C
Bardakci
Y
Y
Ozogul
C
C
Birincioglu
C L
CL
Cobanoglu
A
A
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000187:drug effects; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000378:metabolism; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000975:Antioxidants; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005978:Glutathione; D008751:Methylene Blue