Effect of FTY720 on RhoA expression after acute spinal cord injury in rats

王求永(Wang Qi-uyong，Dept Orthop，Union Hosp Affil Fujian Med Univ，Fuzhou，Fujian 350001)…∥Chin J Clin Basic Orthop Res.－2010，2(4).－292～294

Effect of FTY720 on RhoA expression after acute spinal cord injury in rats

王求永(Wang Qi-uyong，Dept Orthop，Union Hosp Affil Fujian Med Univ，Fuzhou，Fujian 350001)…∥Chin J Clin Basic Orthop Res.－2010，2(4).－292～294

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of fingolimod(FTY720)on RhoA expression after spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats，and explore the possible mechanism of FTY720 in the treatment of SCI.MethodsA rat model of acute SCI was established with a modified Allen’s method.Seventy-five female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided randomly into three groups:the sham-operation group(n=15)，the injury group(n=30)and the group treated with FTY720(n=30).They FTY720 group received intraperitoneal injections of FTY720 0.5 mg/kg at 30 minutes after SCI，and the sham-operation group and the injury group received 0.9%normal saline in the same way.The expression of RhoA mRNA and protein were detected respectively by RT-PCR and western blotting technique at 1 d，3 d，7 d，14 d and 21 d after SCI.ResultsThe expression of RhoA mRNA and protein in the injury group rose markedly at 3 d，reached a peak at 7 d and still maintained high level at 21 d after injury.The results of the injury group compared to those of the FTY720 and sham-operation groups were statistically different at the same time point(P ＜0.05).In addition，the expression of RhoA in the FTY720 group at 1 d，3 d and 7 d were higher than those in sham-operation group(P ＜0.05)which kept a constant level throughout the experiment.ConclusionThe expression of RhoA increases after acute SCI in rats.FTY720 may attenuate secondary SCI and improve the recovery of neurological function in rats by prohibiting the expression of RhoA after acute SCI.18 refs，2 figs，2 tabs.

(Authors)