Effects of Nerve Growth Factor on Bcl-2 Protein after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Objective To explore the protective mechanisms of nerve growth factor (NGF) on spinal cord injury(SCI) and provide theoretical basis for its clinical application. Methods The SCI of Wistar rats was done by Allens weight dropping way by a 10 g×2.5 cm impact on the posterior of spinal cord T 8 NGF(3 g/L,20 μl) or normal saline was injected to treatment group rats through catheter into subarachnoid space at 0,2,4,8,12 and 24 h after SCI. The expression of bcl 2 protein levels in rat spinal cord was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The strong expression sequence of bcl 2 protein was found in spinal cord of normal rat group. The levels of bcl 2 protein after SCI in NGF treatment group increased more significantly than those in normal saline treatment group (P0.01). Conclusion NGF could protect injured spinal cord by stimulating bcl 2 protein expression and suppressing apoptosis after SCI.