Effects of paravertebral injection of adriamyctn on motor conduction function in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of paravertebral injection of different concentrations of adriamycin on motor conduction function in rats. Methods Eighty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 gwere randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20 each): 3 adriamycin groups receiving paravertebral injection of 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% adriamycin 10 μl respectively (group A1, A2, A3) and control group (group C)receiving equal volume of normal saline (NS) instead of adriamycin. The animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 3% pentobarbital 40 mg/kg. A right paramedian incision was made in the back from L3 to S1.L4,5,5,6 intervertebral foramina were exposed. 0.3%, 0.5% and 1.0% adriamycin and NS 10 pl were injected into the intervertebral foramina in group A1, A2, A3 and C respectively. Spinal motor evoked pontential (SMEP)was measured at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks (T1-4)after paravertebral injection. Results The latent period of SMEP was significantly prolonged and the amplitude decreased at T1-4 in group A3 as compared with group A1, A2 and C.Conclusion Paravertebral injection of 1.0% adriamycin can significantly depress motor conduction function. Key words: Doxorubicin;  Spinal cord;  Evoked potential, motor