Effect of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol combination to protect spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by aortic cross-clamping in rat model

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study was to determine whether combination of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol can reduce the ischemia/reperfusion injury of spinal cord in a rat model. METHODS: Twenty-seven Spraque Dawley rats, all male, weighing between 220 to 370 (mean 325) gr were used in the study. 27 rats were divided into three groups: sham group, control group and experimental group. Abdominal aortic occlusion between the renal arteries and iliac bifurcations was carried out for 60 min with proximal and distal clip in control and experimental groups. Hindlimb motor functions were evaluated at 24, and 48 h using the Tarlov Scale. Besides, spinal cord samples were taken for determination of superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities as antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase levels as source hydroxyl radical for biochemical studies. Also, histopathological evaluation was made from cord tissue samples. RESULTS: The experimental group subjects had better neurological functions than control group subjects. In experimental group; superoxide dismutase and catalase levels increased, while malondialdehyde and xantine oxidase levels decreased as compared with control group. Histopathological examination showed that experimental group had less cell degeneration, hemorrhage, edema and inflammation loss than control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers that combined use of N-acetylcysteine and allopurinol might help protect the spinal cord against ischemia/reperfusion injury.