Blocking SP/NK1R signaling improves spinal cord hemisection by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rabbits

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.2024029 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of blocking Substance P (SP) and its receptor NK1R on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rabbits. The researchers created a spinal cord hemisection (SCH) model in rabbits to mimic incomplete SCI. They found that inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling reduced inflammation and improved outcomes in the rabbit model. This was achieved by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation. The findings suggest that targeting SP/NK1R signaling could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating incomplete SCI in humans by reducing inflammation and promoting recovery.

Study Duration

7 days

Participants

30 New Zealand white rabbits

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling can improve spinal cord hemisection (SCH) by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB.
2
Hemisection of the rabbit spinal cord induced the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6, and NF-κB in vivo.
3
The SP-NK1R axis promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo, as evidenced by RT-PCR, ELISA, WB and IHC results.

Research Summary

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of spinal cord injury (SCI) using a rabbit spinal cord hemisection (SCH) model and various experimental techniques. The results demonstrated that inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling can improve SCH by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB. The study suggests that the inhibition of the SP-NK1R axis may represent a potential therapeutic target for patients with incomplete SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target for SCI

The study suggests that targeting the SP/NK1R pathway could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injury.

Inflammation Reduction

Inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling may reduce inflammation in the spinal cord, potentially leading to improved outcomes after injury.

Improved Motor Function

The study showed improvements in BBB motor function scores and Tarlov scores in rabbits treated with SP/NK1R inhibitors, indicating a potential for improved motor function recovery.

Study Limitations

1
Certain differences exist between the SCH model and common contusion SCI or transverse SCI.
2
The underlying mechanism of capsaicin's impact on SCH needs further demonstration.
3
The study focuses on a specific animal model (rabbits), and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury