Neuroprotective effect of regional carnitine on spinal cord ischemia—reperfusion injury

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regional infusion of carnitine on spinal cord ischemia—reperfusion (I—R) in rabbits. Methods: The 36 rabbits were divided into four equal groups, group I (sham operated, no I—R injury), group II (control, only I—R), group III (I—R+intraaortic lactated Ringer's, LR, during aortic occlusion), group IV (I—R+LR plus 100 mg/kg carnitine). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the aortic bifurcation. The spinal cord function of all animals was assessed clinically 24 h after aortic declamping. Spinal cord samples were taken to measure the levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and to evaluate the histopathological changes. Results: We found significant increases in the levels of MDA in groups II and III compared with group I (P