Evaluation of neuroprotective effects at different methods of delivery of methylpredisolone in nervous tissue in spinal cord injury

Baltina Tatyana Valerevna, Sabirova Diana Emilevna, Baltin Maxim Edwardovich

In present article it was shown the effectiveness of local delivery of methylprednisolone by combination with a copolymer in comparison with intravenous administration of methylprednisolone in a treatment of spinal cord injury. The contusion spinal cord injury was modeled in rats according to the Allen method. Assessment of the state of the neuromotor apparatus was carried out with the use of electrophysiological methods by evaluating parameters of evoked responses of rat hind limb muscles during epidural spinal cord stimulation. The state of motor activity was estimated according to the BBB scale in an open field test. All experiments were performed in compliance with bioethical norms. It was shown that the complex of methylprednisolone with the polymer changed the excitability of spinal cord neurons and improved the functional recovery of motor functions. It was found that a single administration of methylprednisolone during the first 6 hours after the injury had a neuroprotective effect. It was demonstrated that local delivery of methylprednisolone in combination with a copolymer could minimize side effects associated with a high dose of systemic delivery of methylprednisolone, providing local and prolonged release of methylprednisolone to the damaged spinal cord. Obtained results may be relevant for the development of optimal treatment protocols in experimental and future clinical studies aimed at improving posttraumatic regeneration of the spinal cord.

Keywords:spinal cord injury, rats, electrophysiology, methylprednisolone succinate, copolymer