Neuroprotective effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and explore the possible mechanism of the protective effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury model was conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and 40 g/kg Buyang Huanwu Decoction was administered by introgastric infusion. Motor function of hind limbs and apoptosis index were measured 72 h after reperfusion was started. The expression of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase was examined at 6h and at 24h after reperfusion.

RESULTS

Motor function scores and apoptosis indices were significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwu Decoction group, as compared to the saline-infused control group. Spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury resulted in a decrease in the expression of thioredoxin, while Buyang Huanwu Decoction administration greatly elevated the expression of thioredoxin-1/thioredoxin-2 mRNA and thioredoxin reductase-1/thioredoxin reductase-2 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that administration of Buyang Huanwu Decoction may reduce spinal ischemia/reperfusion damage. This neuroprotective effect may be mediated, in part, by an increase in the transcription of thioredoxin.