AIM To study the effects of
puerarin on spinal cord injury resulting from
ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS
Twenty male New Zealands white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: ischemia group (Group A, n =10) and
puerarin group (Group B, n =10). The spinal cord ischemia rabbit model was made by occluding infrarenal abdominal aorta for 20 min. In Group B, puerarin 30 mg·kg -1 was administered intravenously 10 min before
clamping. In Group A, 9 g·L -1 saline was used as Group B. The productions of MDA and the activities of SOD before,during and after cross clamping were assayed. Neurologic status was scored at 4,8,12,24,48 hours after reperfusion. All animal were killed 48 h after reperfusion, the spinal cords were studied histopathologically. RESULTS During and after cross clamping ,the productions of MDA in Group B were lower than those in Group A ( P <0.05), but the activities of SOD in Group B were higher than those in Group A ( P < 0.05 ). Neurologic function scores at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 h after reperfusion were higher in Group B than those in Group A ( P < 0.05 ); Compared to Group A, less degree of injury was seen in Group B under optical microscope 48 h after reperfusion. CONCLUSION Puerarin could protect rabbit spinal cord injury resulting from ischemia and reperfusion.