SPINAL CORD PROTECTION WITH RESVERATROL: NEUROLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Purpose: Despite the developments of surgical technique and new pharmacological approaches, there is no widely accepted solution against the ischemia reperfusion injury of spinal cord. Resveratrol, a red wine polyphenol, has been used to prevent ischemia -reperfusion injury of several organ systems and its efficiency was documented. But there is no printed report showing its efficiency in ischemic spinal cord injury.

Methods: Spinal cord ischemia was induced with occlusion of the abdominal aorta at infrarenal and bifurcation levels in white New Zealand rabbits. In addition to 4 rabbits (Group S) which were underwent "sham operation" (no ischemia), Group K animals (n=7) received IV vehicle (Ethanol) 30 minutes before induction of ischemia while Group R animals (n=7) received IV 10 mg/kg resveratrol 30 minutes before ischemia. After 48 hours of reperfusion, neurological evaluation was performed according to Tarlov scale. Animals were then sacrified and spinal cord segments of L6-L7 was removed for histopathological examination.

Results: There was no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of blood pressure and body temperature measurements. None of the group S animals had neurological deficit. Four of the control group animals had paraplegia whereas 4 animals in resveratrol group had normal neurological functions at postoperative 48th hours. Mean Tarlov scores of Group K and R was 1.2±2.0 and 4.3±1.1 (p=0.003), respectively. Histopathological examination revealed significantly protected neurons in Group R compared to Group K. Histopatological grades of Group K and R animals were 1.8±1.3 and 3.8±1.5, respectively (p:0.03).

Conclusion: In this experimental model of spinal cord ischemia, resveratrol decreased the spinal cord injury and neurological deficit following ischemia and reperfusion. Following completion of investigations regarding the mechanism, timing and optimum dose; Resveratrol,can be considered to be used against to ischemia - reperfusion injury developing during the surgical procedures of descending aorta. (Turkish J Vasc Surg 2003;12(2): 17-23)