Activation of the Large-Conductance, Voltage, and Ca²⁺- Activated K⁺ (BK) Channel in Acute Spinal Cord Injury in the Wistar Rat Is Neuroprotective.

ABSTRACT: Context/Objectives: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in significant neuronal and glial cell death resulting in impaired neurological and motor function. Uncontrolled Ca²⁺ entry results in excitotoxicity and cell death. In this study, we examine the use of a BK channel activator, Isopimaric acid (ISO), as a neuroprotective agent post-SCI as this channel is involved in regulating Ca²⁺ entry. Design:By using a 25-g clip compression at the T6 level, we generated a SCI event in wistar rats. At 1 h post-injury we administered ISO (BK channel activator), the BK channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (IbTx), or a vehicle control for 4 weeks via mini osmotic pump (pump capacity). For 8 weeks post-injury, gait analysis of motor function was performed. At the end of 8 weeks

SUBMITTER: Jacobsen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6305522 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature