Tanshinone IIA Regulate Inflammatory Response and Promote Functional Recovery in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

<i>Purpose</i>: The treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) is a clinical challenge. The study attempted to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on SCI in rats. <i>Methods</i>: The SCI model of rat was established based on Allen's animal model. The rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Control, Sham, SCI model, SCI + Tanshinone IIA. Rats were administrated with Tanshinone IIA (30mg/kg) respectively daily within one week after establishment of SCI model. Scores of Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) was evaluated on the 1<sup>st</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup> day after operation. Rats were sacrificed seven days after SCI, and the pathological injury of spinal cord tissue was assessed by HE staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. <i>Results</i>: On the 7th day after operation, the BBB score of SCI + Tanshinone IIA group was significantly better than that of SCI group (P<0.01). Compared with SCI group, the pathological changes, neuronal pyknosis, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, and white matter cavity formation in SCI + Tanshinone IIA group were reduced. Compared with SCI group, the level of IL-1 β and TNF-α in SCI+ Tanshinone IIA group were significantly lower (P<0.01). <i>Conclusion</i>: Tanshinone IIA can significantly improve motor function inhibit inflammation and repair spinal cord function after SCI.