Neuroprotective effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and explore the possible mechanism of the protective effect. Materials and methods: The spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury model was conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and 40 g/kg Buyang Huanwu Decoction was administered by introgastric infusion. Motor function of hind limbs and apoptosis index were measured 72 h after reperfusion was started. The expression of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase was examined at 6 h and at 24 In after reperfusion. Results: Motor function scores and apoptosis indices were significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwu Decoction group, as compared to the saline-infused control group. Spinal ischemia/reperfusion injury resulted in a decrease in the expression of thioredoxin, while Buyang Huanwu Decoction administration greatly elevated the expression of thioredoxin-1/thioredoxin-2 mRNA and thioredoxin reductase-1/thioredoxin reductase-2 mRNA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that administration of Buyang Huanvvu Decoction may reduce spinal ischemia/reperfusion damage. This neuroprotective effect may be mediated, in part, by an increase in the transcription of thioredoxin. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.