Development of Methods for Neurorrhaphy and the Treatment of Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina Injuries in Battle Casualties.

Abstract : The role of free radical lipid peroxidation in spinal cord injury has been studied. A potentiating effect of ethanol was observed in both acute and chronic models of spinal cord injury. Lipid peroxidation following spinal cord injury was determined by measuring lipid soluble fluorescence, found to be higher in the ethanol-treated animals than in the controls and non-ethanol treated animals. Attempts at treatment were made using free radical scavengers. DMSO and mannitol were selected. No improvement was seen with mannitol. Seven of 20 animals receiving DMSO improved in neurologic function. Studies on the role of catecholamines in spinal cord injury were extended to turnover studies. These demonstrated alterations in the membrane-bound enzymes, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase. It is proposed that the damage to membranes may be mediated by free radical mechanisms and that the alterations in catecholamine metabolism seen may be due to inhibition of membrane-bound enzymes following free radical damage to the membrane itself. (Author)