Effect of Interleukin-10 on rat neurons apoptosis after spinal cord injury

Objective To investigate the effect of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on rat neural cell apop- tosis after experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods The experimental rats were divided into three groups: SCI group (group A), IL-10 group (group B) and sham group (no spinal cord injury). The SCI model was induced using the modified Allen technique and the rats in group B were treated with IL- 10 at 30 min after SCI. The apoptosis and functional recovery of the injured spinal cord were evaluated by HE staining, TUNEL method and BBB open-field behavioral test respectively at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 4 d, 8 d, 16 d and 24 d after SCI. Results Apoptotic cells were noted primarily at 12 h, and peaked at 48 h af- ter SCI. The apoptotic rate in group B was significantly decreased as compared with that in group A at the time points of 24 h, 48 h, 4 d after SCI (P 0. 01, or P 0. 05), and the functional recovery was better in group B than in group A. Conclusion The early adminstration of IL-10 could inhibit apoptosis after SCI.