Effect of Erythropoietin on Expression of Nuclear Factor-κB in Rabbit Spinal Cord Tissue after Ischemia-Reperfusion

Objective To explore the effects of erythropoietin(EPO) on the neural function recovery and the expressions of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in rabbit spinal cord after ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods 24 rabbits were randomized into 3 groups:EPO treatment group,ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) group and sham group with 8 rabbits in each group.The rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury was established with Tetik's method.The changes of neural functional recovery of rabbits of 3 groups were observed through Tarlov's scale at different time points post-operation.The expressions of NF-κB were tested with immunohistochemistry.Results The grade of nerve function improved distinctly in EPO treatment group(P0.01).The expression of NF-κB in EPO group was lower than that of I/R group(P0.01).Conclusion EPO can significantly improve the motor function of hind limbs in rabbits after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury,which might be related with inhibition of the expressions of NF-κB.