Changes in Lipid Metabolism in Traumatized Spinal Cord

Abstract

This chapter presents the studies, which examines the posttrauma production of spinal cord lipolysis products (such as FFA and DG), the metabolism of free arachidonate to biologically active eicosanoids, the degradation of membrane lipids, and the consequences of production of these compounds in the context of membrane function. Dogs and cats are used in these experiments, with both impact trauma and compression trauma being used as models for blunt spinal cord trauma. These experiments help to identify and clarify the most important aspects of the pathogenesis of membrane perturbations and cellular necrosis that follow spinal cord trauma. The studies are ultimately aimed at providing a rational basis for the testing of potential therapeutic agents, such as phospholipase inhibitors, antioxidants, and inhibitors of eicosanoid biosynthesis. In particular, free fatty acid levels, diglyceride levels, membrane ATPase activities, eicosanoid production, cholesterol levels, and phospholipid levels are measured in control and traumatized spinal cord.