Lycopsamine Exerts Protective Effects and Improves Functional Outcome After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Suppressing Cell Death

Medical Science Monitor, 2018 · DOI: 10.12659/MSM.912978 · Published: October 18, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of lycopsamine, a plant-derived alkaloid, to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers found that lycopsamine improved the rats' ability to move after a spinal cord injury. Lycopsamine also reduced the amount of damaged tissue in the spinal cord. The study suggests lycopsamine may protect against cell death after SCI, potentially through specific molecular mechanisms.

Study Duration

38 days

Participants

24 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Lycopsamine significantly improved locomotory function in SCI rats.
2
Lycopsamine significantly decreased the lesion area of the SCI rats.
3
Lycopsamine reduces apoptotic cell death following SCI.

Research Summary

The study examined the effects of lycopsamine on apoptosis and functional recovery after SCI in a rat model. The results showed that lycopsamine administration improves locomotory function in SCI rats. The protective effect and functional improvement observed with lycopsamine treatment are probably mediated by the suppression of cell death and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Lycopsamine may be a potential therapeutic agent for SCI due to its neuroprotective effects.

Further Research Needed

Further investigations are required to validate the present findings and explore the mechanisms of action.

Understanding SCI Treatment

This research contributes to the understanding of SCI pathophysiology and potential treatment strategies.

Lycopsamine Exerts Protective Effects and Improves Functional Outcome After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Suppressing Cell Death

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Further Research Needed

Understanding SCI Treatment

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Lycopsamine Exerts Protective Effects and Improves Functional Outcome After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Suppressing Cell Death

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Further Research Needed

Understanding SCI Treatment

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?