Effects of total saponins of panax notoginseng on spinal cord blood flow and sensory-evoked potential after spinal cord injury

Objective To investigate the effects of total saponins of panax notoginseng (PNS) on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) and the function after spinal cord injury. Methods A total of 20 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal saline group (NS) and PNS treated group (PNS). PNS (10 ml/kg, 20 mmol/L) was injected into the abdominal cavity of rats immediately after traumatic injury of the L 1 L 2 segmental spinal cord was made by using Allen's method 50 gcm (5 g×10 cm). The SCBF and sensory evoked potential (SEP) of T13 segment were recorded before injury and at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after injury. Results SCBF and SEP of rats administered with PNS were much higher than those of the rats in group NS ( P 0 05). Conclusion High dose PNS can improve the spinal cord blood flow and protect the functions of injured spinal cord at the early stage.