Investigation effect of alemtuzumab in experimental spinal cord injury on rat model

Spinal cord injuries are among the most challenging traumatic injuries resulting in significant morbidty and mortality. Both primary and secondary injuries play important roles in SCI. This study aims to investigate the effects of Alemtuzumab on secondary mechanisms in an experimental spinal cord trauma model in rats. Twenty four male, Long Evans rats were used in this study. Rats were randomly divided into 4 different groups. Animals in Group 1 served as control. Group 2 (trauma group) received SCI and no further treatment, Group 3A received 1mg/kg subcutaneous Alemtuzumab after SCI and killed at the 72th hour of the experiment. Group 4A animals also received Alemtuzumab after SCI however they were killed at the 120th hour of the experiment. Trauma model was utilized after T6 T7 laminectomy by application of an aneurysm clip (Yasargil) directly to the spinal cord for 60 seconds. Functional evaluation of the animals were performed with motor examination (according to Drummond and Moore) and inclined plane tests. After sacrification, animals? plasma and tissue specimens were collected as appropriate for biochemical (MDA, GSH measurements) and histopathological evaluation. Results of the study demonstrated significant difference among groups in favor of Alemtuzumab regarding MDA and GSH. Histopathological analyzes were also in favor of treatment groups. However, there was no significant difference between groups. Alemtuzumab have favorable effects in experimental spinal cord injury and may serve as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent in alleviating effects of secondary mechanisms.