Affiliations: Anadolu Cinar Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey | Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA), Haydarpasa
Research and Training Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul,
Turkey
Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Burak O. Boran, Akin sok, Hat boyu
cikmazi, Ortac apt, 13/12, Saskinbakkal, Istanbul, 34740, Turkey. Tel.: +90 533
262 6439; Fax: +90 216 411 0877; E-mail: burakoboran@hotmail.com
Abstract: Purpose: Erythropoietin is a hematopoietic growth factor. It is also
involved in neurodevelopment and neuroprotection. The purpose of this study was
to evaluate the effectiveness of erythropoietin in enhancing the neurological
recovery following experimental spinal cord injury. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received
only laminectomy. Group 2, 3, and 4 have undergone a spinal contusion injury of
50 gr/cm. Group 2 received no medication. Group 3 received 30 mg/kg
methylprednisolone. Group 4 received 5000 IU/kg recombinant human
erythropoietin. Following injury, neurological recovery was evaluated for 14
days, using a swimming test. Results: At day 1, there was no difference between mean motor scores
of group 2, 3, and 4. Following day 1, rats in group 4 exhibited a marked
improvement in motor score, and this was maintained throughout the study. When
compared to group 2, mean motor score of group 4 was significantly higher at
day 4, 7, 10, and 14. When compared to group 3, mean motor score of group 4 was
significantly higher at day 7, 10, and 14. Conclusion: These findings suggest that erythropoietin enhances
neurological recovery following spinal cord injury and it seems to be more
effective than methylprednisolone at the given doses.
