Effect of intrathecal injection of γ-Oryzanol on motor function in mice after spinal cord injury

Abstract

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) is usually caused by compression of spinal cord tissue. The main manifestations are the loss of motor or sensory functions. Because injured individuals are usually relatively young and have no effective treatment measures, there is a heavy economic burden on their families and society. Rice was the most abundant source of GORZ. This compound exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. γ-Oryzanol has been shown to cross the blood–brain barrier intact and benefit brain function. This study is the first time the effect of γ-Oryzanol on the recovery of motor function after SCI in mice. Therefore, we injected γ-Oryzanol into SCI mice in different ways to observe the effect on motor function recovery of mice. Materials and methodsThe mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. In one group, only lamina was opened without damaging the spinal cord tissue (sham group); One group was left untreated after the injured spinal cord tissue (injured group). In the other two groups, mice were given 100 mg/kg of γ-Oryzanol every 2 days through the intraperitoneal or intrathecal for 42 days after injuring the spinal cord. Behavioral tests were performed using the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scores and gait analysis. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe changes in the lesion area, demyelination, axonal regeneration, and scar tissue formation. Results1. Behavioral experiments showed that the γ-Oryzanol-treated mice showed better exercise capacity than those in the injured group. 2. The pathology and demyelination at the injury site were improved in γ-Oryzanol-treated mice. 3. γ-Oryzanol-treated mice had more M2-type macrophages at the site of injury. At the same time, γ-Oryzanol-treated mice retained more axons associated with motor function and less scarring. ConclusionsStudies have shown that γ-Oryzanol can promote the recovery of motor function in mice after SCI. And the change was even more pronounced in mice treated with intrathecal injection methods. Although more intensive studies are needed, we suggest that γ-Oryzanol has potential clinical value as a recognized inexpensive dietary phytochemical.