Using methylprednisolone to supplement direct current electrical field in promoting spinal-cord regeneration.

In order to compensate for the fact that direct current electrical fields could not reduce or correct spinal-cord edema after trauma, methylprednisolone was used 2 hr after spinal-cord injury to promote the efficacy of the direct current electrical field. Thirty-three dogs were randomly divided into three groups and their spinal cords were injured with the Allen method (weight-dropping technique). Group A, a control group; Group B, implantation of an electrical stimulator 6 hr after spinal-cord injury; and Group C, given an injection of a large dose of methylprednisolone 2 hr after injury. Electric stimulators were implanted into the dogs' bodies 6 hr post-injury. The nerve functions, evoked potential cortical somatosensory and three kinds of nerve morphometric changes, were observed 1 to 3 months after injury. The indexes of Groups B and C were much better than Group A (p<0.05). The results in Group C were better than in Group B. Differences were statistically significant. The combination of direct current electrical field and an injection of a large dose of methylpredwisolone could effectively treat spinal cord injury, promoting earlier recovery of nerve function.