Effects of Methylprednisolone And Ganglioside GM-1 on a Spinal Lesion: A Functional Analysis

Abstract

Carvalho MOP, Barros Filho TEP, Tebet MA. Effects of methylprednisolone and ganglioside gM-1 on a spinal lesion: a functional analysis. Clinics. 2008;63:375-80. OBJECTIVES:The pharmacological effects of methylprednisolone (MP) and ganglioside gM-1 on spinal injuries have been thoroughly investigated, but only a few studies have evaluated the interaction between these two drugs. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were subjected to contusive injury of the spinal cord produced by the NYU system. These animals were divided into four groups: group I was injected with MP; group II was injected with gM-1; group III was injected with MP together with gM-1; and group control received physiological serum. The animals were evaluated with regard to their recovery of locomotive function by means of the BBB test on the second, seventh and fourteenth days after receiving the contusive injury to the spinal cord. They were sacrificed on the fourteenth day. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the MP and gM-1 groups presented functional results that were better than those of the control group, although the enhanced recovery of group II (gM-1) relative to the control group was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The most notable recovery of locomotive function was observed in the group that received MP alone (p<0.05). The group that received MP together with gM-1 presented results that were better than those of the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Administration of methylprednisolone alone or with gM-1 was shown to be effective for recovery of locomotive function. Combined administration of these drugs resulted in better outcomes than administration of methylprednisolone alone.

Tubo de ácido poliglicólico e GM1 na regeneração de nervos periféricos

“…GM1 is a key glycosphyngolipid of mammalian nervous tissue, constituting the major subclass of brain gangliosides with effects on neural differentiation and repair processes, acting on the burgeoning and growth of in vivo and in vitro neurites. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Exogenous GM1 is incorporated to neuronal membranes and would have a enhancing action on neurotrophic factors. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in helping functional repair in cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, stroke and acute rachimedullary trauma in humans and animals.…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] Exogenous GM1 is incorporated to neuronal membranes and would have a enhancing action on neurotrophic factors. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in helping functional repair in cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, stroke and acute rachimedullary trauma in humans and animals. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Previous studies have evidenced that the local administration of gangliosides at the repair site of a peripheral nerve injury produces an increased number of regenerated myelinized fibers.…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] Recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in helping functional repair in cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, stroke and acute rachimedullary trauma in humans and animals. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Previous studies have evidenced that the local administration of gangliosides at the repair site of a peripheral nerve injury produces an increased number of regenerated myelinized fibers. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Its action would preferentially focus the regeneration of motor fibers, since GM1 has been shown to account for about 15% of all gangliosides in motor nerve myelin, in contrast to accounting for less than 5% of the myelin in sensitive nerves.…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] Previous studies have evidenced that the local administration of gangliosides at the repair site of a peripheral nerve injury produces an increased number of regenerated myelinized fibers. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Its action would preferentially focus the regeneration of motor fibers, since GM1 has been shown to account for about 15% of all gangliosides in motor nerve myelin, in contrast to accounting for less than 5% of the myelin in sensitive nerves. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Rats are frequently used as an experimental model in literature 1,19 , being regarded as a classic model in peripheral nerves study.…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17][18] Its action would preferentially focus the regeneration of motor fibers, since GM1 has been shown to account for about 15% of all gangliosides in motor nerve myelin, in contrast to accounting for less than 5% of the myelin in sensitive nerves. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Rats are frequently used as an experimental model in literature 1,19 , being regarded as a classic model in peripheral nerves study. In addition to this fact, this animal enables us to assess func-…”