Protective role of muscones on astrocytes under a mechanical-chemical damage model

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major clinical concern with substantial socioeconomic implications. The initial mechanical force applied to the spinal cord is known as the primary injury. After the primary injury, ischemia and hypoxia induce cell death and autolysis, which are associated with the release of inflammatory factors. These processes are called the secondary injury, and may lead to an excess of extracellular glutamate (Glu), which in turn promotes the neuronal injuries. Muscone has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of brain diseases and other diseases. Astrocytes were separated and purified, and a mechanical-chemical damage (MCD) model was established via the primary spinal astrocytes of rats, and treatment was administered with different concentrations of muscone. Muscone reduced the levels of LDH, TNF-α, and MDA after injury, and upregulated the level of SOD. Muscone also reduced the density of extracellular Glu and suppressed the intracellular calcium level. Additionally, it decreased the expression levels of EAATs and GFAPs. Muscone has a protective effect on astrocytes in a MCD and inhibits astrocytes’ proliferation.

• 1
  Muscone reduced the levels of LDH, TNF-α, and MDA after injury, and upregulated the level of SOD.
• 2
  Muscone also reduced the density of extracellular Glu and suppressed the intracellular calcium level.
• 3
  Additionally, it decreased the expression levels of EAATs and GFAPs.