Neuroprotective Effects of Lacosamide in Experimental Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effects of lacosamide on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 28 male Wistar albino rats, each weighing 300–350 g, were included. They were randomlyassigned to four groups. In Group 1, only a laminectomy was performed; in Group 2, SCI was performed after laminectomy; inGroup 3, SCI was performed after laminectomy followed by lacosamide administration, and in Group 4, SCI was performed afterlaminectomy followed by physiological saline administration. After 48 hours, all animals were sacrificed, blood samples were drawn,and their spinal cords were removed. The serum levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) andmalondialdehyde (MDA) were measured, and the spinal cord specimens were examined for neuronal degeneration (PND).RESULTS: The MDA level was the lowest and the antioxidant enzyme levels were the highest in Group 3. There were statisticallysignificant differences between Group 3 and the others in their PND score, serum MDA, SOD, GPX and catalase levels (p