Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on apoptosis of nerve cells and motor function after spinal cord injury

Objective To investigate effects on hyperbaric oxygen(HBO) on apoptosis of nerve cells and motor function after spinal cord injury.Methods 48 SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups:hyperbaric oxygen group(n=16),control(n=16)and sham-operate group(n=16).Rats sacrified at 6 hours,12hours,24 hours and 72 hours post injury,among which rats in HBO group were received HBO therapy before killing at each time point.Apoptosis index and improved Tarlov′s score were calculated at each time point.Results No apoptotic cell appeared in sham group.The apoptosis cell could be observed at 6 hours post-injury,and elevated from 24 to 72 hours.Compared to HBO group,the TUNEL-positive cells were significantly higher in the control group(P0.05).Improved Tarlov′s score was lower in control group than that of HBO group(P0.05).Conclusion HBO therapy can reduce and protect nerve cell from apoptosis after spinal cord injury in rats and improve their motor function.