The antioxidant lodoxamide tromethamine was assessed for effects on experimental spinal cord ischemia in the rabbit. Lodoxamide (20 mg/kg/hr) or 0.9% sodium chloride was infused beginning 15 minutes before infrarenal aortic occlusion and continuing for 105 minutes. With an occlusion time of 20 minutes, eight of eight lodoxamide-treated animals and five of eight saline-treated animals regained function after reperfusion. However, by 48 hours after occlusion, seven of eight saline-treated animals were completely paralyzed, whereas only two of eight lodoxamide-treated animals were paralyzed. An ischemia time of 30 minutes exceeded the protective capacity of this treatment. These results suggest lodoxamide may be useful in alleviating ischemic damage to the spinal cord.