title: Trehalose protects against spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study tested to see if trehalose, a cytoprotective disaccharide, protects against spinal cord ischemia in a rabbit model.
  
  
  METHODS
  The infrarenal aorta was mobilized in four groups of 10 rabbits. In groups I, II, and III, it was clamped proximally and distally for 20 minutes. In group I, the clamped aorta was infused at 2.5 L/min for 2 hours with lactated Ringer's (LR) solution. In group II, the clamped aorta was infused with 5% trehalose in LR. LR was administered intravenously (2.0 mL/min) in groups I and II starting 30 minutes before clamping. In group III, 5% trehalose in LR was infused intravenously only. Group IV was a sham-operated control group without aortic clamping. At 8, 24, and 48 hours after reperfusion, hind limb function was scored using the Tarlov score (paralysis = 0, perceptible joint movement = 1, good joint movement but unable to stand = 2, able to walk = 3, normal = 4). Histologic analysis and electron microscopy were performed on anterior horn cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Tarlov scores in groups I, II, and III were, respectively, 1.1 ± 1.4, 3.5 ± 0.5, and 2.9 ± 0.9 at 8 hours; 0.8 ± 1.2, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 2.9 ± 0.9 at 24 hours; and 0.6 ± 0.7, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 2.7 ± 0.9 at 48 hours after reperfusion. Group IV scores were normal (4 ± 0) at all assessments. These scores were higher in groups II and III than in group I (P < .01) at all assessments. Scores at 24 and 48 hours were higher in group II than in group III (P < .05). In group III, delayed paraparesis developed in one rabbit at 24 hours and in two more at 48 hours. Histopathologic analysis showed the number of normal neurons was higher in groups II (P < .0001), III (P = .006), and IV (P < .0001) vs group I. Electron microscopy confirmed preserved neuronal cell ultrastructure in rabbits with normal limb function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transaortic trehalose infusion was protective against paraplegia, whereas intravenous trehalose reduced spinal cord ischemia. This study was preliminary and further studies are needed.
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Electronic address: shiny@mte.biglobe.ne.jp.
authors: Shinya
authors: S
authors: Takahashi
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors: Mitsuhiro
authors: M
authors: Isaka
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors: Makoto
authors: M
authors: Hamaishi
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors: Katsuhiko
authors: K
authors: Imai
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors: Kazumasa
authors: K
authors: Orihashi
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Clinical Medical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
authors: Taijiro
authors: T
authors: Sueda
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000870:Anterior Horn Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D019610:Cytoprotection; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020335:Paraparesis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011817:Rabbits; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D014199:Trehalose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D014199:Trehalose