Neuroprotective effects of sildenafil in experimental spinal cord injury in rabbits

Hasan Kara; Selim Degirmenci; Ahmet Ak; Aysegul Bayir; Seyit Ali Kayis; Mehmet Uyar; Murat Akinci; Demet Acar; Metin Kocacan; Fikret Akyurek

doi:10.17305/bjbms.2015.1.119

Authors

Hasan Kara Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya
Selim Degirmenci Selcuk University
Ahmet Ak Selcuk University
Aysegul Bayir Selcuk University
Seyit Ali Kayis Selcuk University
Mehmet Uyar Necmettin Erbakan University
Murat Akinci Selcuk University
Demet Acar Selcuk University
Metin Kocacan Selcuk University
Fikret Akyurek Selcuk University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2015.1.119

Keywords:

caspase-3, gelsolin, methylprednisolone, phosphodiesterase type 5, trauma

Abstract

Neuroprotective agents such as methylprednisolone and sildenafil may limit damage after spinal cord injury. We evaluated the effects of methylprednisolone and sildenafil on biochemical and histologic changes after spinal cord injury in a rabbit model. Female New Zealand rabbits (32 rabbits) were allocated to 4 equal groups: laminectomy only (sham control) or laminectomy and spinal trauma with no other treatment (trauma control) or treatment with either methylprednisolone or sildenafil. Gelsolin and caspase-3 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were determined, and spinal cord histology was evaluated at 24 hours after trauma. There were no differences in mean cerebrospinal fluid or plasma levels of caspase-3 between the groups or within the groups from 0 to 24 hours after injury. From 0 to 24 hours after trauma, mean cerebrospinal fluid gelsolin levels significantly increased in the sildenafil group and decreased in the sham control and the trauma control groups. Mean plasma gelsolin level was significantly higher at 8 and 24 hours after trauma in the sildenafil than other groups. Histologic examination indicated that general structural integrity was better in the methylprednisolone in comparison with the trauma control group. General structural integrity, leptomeninges, white and grey matter hematomas, and necrosis were significantly improved in the sildenafil compared with the trauma control group. Caspase-3 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood were not increased but gelsolin levels were decreased after spinal cord injury in trauma control rabbits. Sildenafil caused an increase in gelsolin levels and may be more effective than methylprednisolone at decreasing secondary damage to the spinal cord.

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Author Biographies

Hasan Kara, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Selim Degirmenci, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Ahmet Ak, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Aysegul Bayir, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Seyit Ali Kayis, Selcuk University

Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science
Mehmet Uyar, Necmettin Erbakan University

Meram Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health
Murat Akinci, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Demet Acar, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine
Metin Kocacan, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology
Fikret Akyurek, Selcuk University

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry

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