Neuroprotective effect of alpha-lipoic acid and methylprednisolone on the spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the putative neuroprotective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on spinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-five adult female New Zeland rabbits, weighing 2,000-3,500 g (mean 2,800), were divided randomly into five groups of seven rabbits each (n 7) as Group 1 sham, only laparotomy; Group 2 (I/R) I/R; Group 3 (LA) I/R and 100 mg/kg of LA; Group 4 (MP) I/R and 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone (MP); and Group 5 (LA + MP) I/R and 100 mg/kg of LA plus 30 mg/kg of MP. RESULTS: A statically significant effect of LA, MP, and LA plus MP on lowering malondialdehyde levels both in the blood and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been observed. Nitric oxide is significantly decreased in the blood and spinal cord tissues, and also in the CSF but it is not significant. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels were increased by LA administration. CONCLUSION: LA exhibits antioxidant efficacy in spinal cord I/R injury, but it cannot decrease the oxidative stress. The histopathological result of the present study also demonstrated that LA has neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury.