MATERIAL and METHODS: Rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: control, ischemia, vehicle, methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg), and cerebrolysin (5 ml/kg) group. The rabbits in the control group underwent only laparotomy; the other groups underwent spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury for 20 minutes. Neurologic examination after 24 hours was based on the Modified Tarlov scale. Myeloperoxidase activities, catalase and malondialdehyde levels, and caspase-3 concentrations were determined in serum and tissue samples. Serum xanthine oxidase levels were studied and histopathological and ultrastructural changes were examined.

RESULTS: After SCIRI, serum and tissue myeloperoxidase activities, malondialdehyde levels, caspase-3 concentrations, and serum xanthine oxidase activities were increased (p<0.01?0.001). Catalase levels were significantly diminished (p<0.001). Cerebrolysin treatment correlated with reduced myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activities, malondialdehyde levels and caspase-3 concentrations; and with increased catalase levels (p<0.001, for all). The cerebrolysin group showed improved histopathological, ultrastructural, and neurological outcomes.

CONCLUSION: For the first time in the literature, the current study reports anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective effects of cerebrolysin in a SCIRI rabbit model. Keywords : Anti-inflammatory, Antiapoptotic, Antioxidant, Cerebrolysin, Ischemia/reperfusion, Neuroprotection, Rabbits