MATERIAL and METHODS: A total of 32 rabbits were randomized into five groups: control, ischemia, vehicle, methylprednisolone (MP), and amantadine (AMT) (n=8/each). At 24th-hour neurological examination was performed, spinal cord tissues were collected, and biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed.

RESULTS: When ischemia and vehicle groups were compared with control group, significant increase was seen in serum and tissue caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels (p<0.001); significant decrease was seen in serum and tissue catalase (CAT) levels (p<0.001); and significant increase was seen in serum xanthine oxidase (XO) levels (p<0.001). When the ischemia group and the MP and AMT groups were compared, low serum and tissue caspase-3 levels (p<0.001), high serum and tissue CAT levels (p<0.001), significantly low serum XO levels (p<0.001), low serum and tissue MDA levels (p<0.05) and tissue MPO levels (p<0.001) were found. Both AMT and MP groups showed decreased histopathological score and higher number of normal neurons (p<0.001) compared to ischemia group. Both AMT and MP showed better modified Tarlov scores compared to the ischemia group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our study found that AMT had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects on SCIRI. We used biochemical, microscopic, and ultrastructural approaches to demonstrate these effects. AMT might be a candidate medication for SCIRI prophylaxis and treatment. Keywords : Amantadine, Anti-inflammatory, Antiapoptotic, Antioxidant, Spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury