AMIFOSTINE DECREASES LIPID PEROXIDATION ACTIVITY AFTER SPINAL CORD INJURY IN RATS

Abstract

Objective: Amifostine is a known radioprotective agent. It has been known for many years that it protects normal tissue from the undesirable effects of radiation and some chemotherapeutics due to its antioxidant effect and contains thiol. We investigated the effects of amifostine on the activity of lipid peroxidation in the spinal cord after experimental spinal cord injury in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups, each containing seven rats. Group I (the control group) received laminectomies and spinal cord samples were obtained 24 h after laminectomy without trauma. Those in groups II to V all received laminectomies followed by traumatic spinal cord injury and tissue samples were taken 24 h later. Group II received no treatment; group III received 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone; group IV received 200 mg/kg amifostine; and group V received 2 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (sulfur tetrafluoride) solution. Medications were given intraperitoneally as single doses immediately after trauma. Spinal cord samples were taken 24 h post-trauma and studied for lipid peroxidation activity. Results: Lipid peroxidation activity in the tissue samples was increased by injury. Both amifostine and methylprednisolone treatment decreased this activity, indicating a reduction in neutrophil infiltration of the damaged tissue. The effect of amifostine on lipid peroxidation activity was similar to that of methylprednisolone. Conclusion: Amifostine may be effective in protecting the spinal cord from secondary injury.