Role of neutrophil elastase in compression-induced spinal cord injury in rats
Research article published in Brain research (1998)
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated the importance of activated neutrophils in compression-induced spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. In the present study, we investigate the action of neutrophil elastase in posttraumatic SCI, using two neutrophil elastase inhibitors (Eglin C and L658,758). SCI was induced by applying a 20-g weight to the spinal cord for 20 min at the level of T12, resulting in hindlimbs motor disturbances, which, when evaluated using a inclined-plane test, were significantly attenuated by Eglin C or L658,758. Histologic examination revealed that intramedullary hemorrhages observed 24 h after trauma were markedly attenuated in these agents. These inhibitors also significantly decreased neutrophil accumulation as shown by myeloperoxidase activity in the damaged spinal cord segment. Induction of leukocytopenia had the same effects as Eglin C or L658,758. These findings implicated neutrophil elastase in SCI. The enzyme may induce vascular damage leading to spinal cord ischemia.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
Research article relevant to leech therapy and its derived compounds.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This study investigated the role of neutrophil elastase in compression-induced spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats, using two elastase inhibitors—Eglin C and L658,758—to assess their effects on motor function, hemorrhage, and neutrophil accumulation. SCI was induced by applying a 20-g weight to the spinal cord for 20 minutes, and both inhibitors significantly attenuated hindlimb motor disturbances, reduced intramedullary hemorrhages at 24 hours, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity in the damaged cord segment. Inducing leukopenia produced similar protective effects. The abstract identifies Eglin C only as a neutrophil elastase inhibitor without any mention of leeches, leech saliva, or leech origin, so no hirudotherapy connection can be drawn from this source. The findings are limited to a rodent model of traumatic SCI.
Zitation
Role of neutrophil elastase in compression-induced spinal cord injury in rats
Taoka Y · Brain research, 1998
Verwandter klinischer Kontext
Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist
Zur ASH-Bibliothek hinzugefügt: May 27, 2026 · Letzte Aktualisierung der Website: June 18, 2026