ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of intravenous (iv) Activated Protein C (APC) in an experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) model in rats.

Thirty two Wistar Albino female rats were included in the study. Before surgery, anesthesia was applied to the rats. Group L (n:2): Laminectomy was performed. Group APC 30 (n:6): iv 100 µg kg-1 APC was injected 30 minutes before SCI. Group SF (n:6): iv 1 mL % 0,9 NaCl was injected just after SCI. Group APC acute (n:6): iv 100 µg kg-1 APC was injected right after SCI. Group APC 6 (n: 6): iv 100 µg kg-1 APC was injected six hours after SCI. Group APC 12 (n:6): iv 100 µg kg-1 APC was injected 12 hours after SCI. Spinal cord injury was induced by applying Yasargil aneurysm clip on dura and spinal cord (Aesculap FE 721 K). Functional recovery was rated by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotive rating scale scores determined at 3., 5., 7., 14., 21., 28., and 35. days. After locomotor activity tests, samples were evaluated histopathologically.

We have observed significant recovery on APC group as compared to the SF group at 28. and 35. days based on the results of locomotor activity tests. Significant increase in the number of myelinated axons and neurons on APC groups as compared to the SF group was observed, meanwhile in the SF group we found significant increase in glial cells.

APC protects neurons and myelinated axons and decreases the glial cell production.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, activated protein C, neuroprotection, rat