Docosahexaenoic acid improves motor function in the model of spinal cord injury

Neurosci Lett. 2018 Apr 13:672:6-14. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.028. Epub 2018 Feb 17.

Abstract

The present study demonstrates that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) injected subcutaneously leads to recovery of locomotor functions observed within 5 weeks after traumatic spinal cord injury. This activity is confirmed by improving of BBB locomotor rating scale indicators. We assume that this activity is related to (1) enhancement of remyelination process, (2) proliferative activity, (3) antioxidant activity, (4) increase in GFAP staining and (5) enhancement of vimentin expression. In general, the results of the study show that DHA has a complex effect on post-traumatic central nervous system recovery, indicating its high therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Astrocytes; DHA; MBP; PCNA; SCI; Vimentin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Models, Animal
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recovery of Function / drug effects*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids