|星空彩票电脑版
%A ZHANG Si, WANG Shuo-yu, GU Bing, LI Hua-nan, ZHANG Guo-fu, ZHANG Shui-yin %T
Effects of Low-dose Methotrexate on Spinal Cord Contusion-Induced Neural Cell Apoptisis in Rats%0 Journal Article %D 2013 %J ACTA NEUROPHARMACOLOGICA %R %P 1-8 %V 3 %N 6 %U {http://actanp.hebeinu.edu.cn/CN/abstract/article_103.shtml} %8 2013-12-26 %X
Objective：This study examined the effect of low-dose methotrexate on spinal cord contusion–induced neural cell apoptosis in rats and its potential protective mechanism.
Methods:Rat spinal cord contusion model was established by Pinpoint Precision Cortical Impactor™ apparatus and then methotrexate (0.3 mg • kg
-1• BW) was subcutaneously administrated daily for 2 weeks starting from 30 min post-injury. Immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL method were used to examine the expression of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) and neural cell apoptosis at damaged area, respectively.
Results:One day after the traumatic injury, gray and white matter structures were unaltered and neuronal necrosis was only noticeable at the epicenter. TUNEL-positive cells were primarily located in the posterior horn of gray matter. 3～7 days after injury, the TUNEL-positive cells were increased and the location of these cells spreaded to the ventral and diffused periphery sections of the epicenter. Meanwhile, the number of NeuN immunoreactive neurons gradually decreased (
P<0.05) from 0 mm to ±3 mm rostral and candual to the epicenter. Fourteen days after injury, the gray matter structure was no longer identifiable at the epicenter while the TUNEL-positive cells and NeuN immunoreactive neurons in the remaining anatomical positions remained at high levels. In rats that received methotrexate treatment, the number of NeuN immunoreactive neurons was significantly higher than those in model group (
P<0.05,
P<0.01).
Conclusion:Low-dose methotrexate may decrease the nerve cell apoptosis via its metabolic product by exerting a protective effect on secondary injury of spinal cord.