Spinal Cord Injury With Seawater Immersion And Portable Syringe Driver

Objectives To study the effect of seawater immersion(SWI) on spinal cord injury(SCI) and the treatment of meta dose methylprednisolone(MP) by a animal model of SCI with SWI in rats. Then to explore the application possibility of portable syringe driver for the wounded with SCI in seawar. Methods The model in adult Sprague-Dawley rats were built based on modified Allen's SCI method and seawater immersion. At 6h, 12h, and 24h after SCI, neurological functions, pathological and ultrastructural changes, the content of electrolytes and water, respiratory function, activities of ATPase, the contents of intramitochondria free calcium and the level of GSH of extracted mitochondria were observed. Some properties of portable syringe driver were compared with those of clinically common used syringe driver. Results Although SWI delays the onset and peak of traumatic spinal cord edema following SCI, but can eventually aggravate the traumatic edema. SWI deteriorates water and electrolytes imbalance, and mitochondrial respiratory function, activities of ATPase, and level of GSH. SWI increases the level of ET and the overload of intramitochondria free calcium. Early-stage MP treatment could improve mitochondrial respiratory function, activities of ATPase and level of GSH in SCI rats with SWI. It also could decrease the overload of intramitochondria free calcium, inhibit the damage of ultrastructure of mitochondria. Portable syringe driver has some other properties such as simple component, waterproof, small appearance and size, which convenient for carry and use in seawar. Conclusions SWI deteriorates the conditions of SCI. There is neuroprotective effect of early-stage meta dose MP treatment in SCI rats with SWI. Portable syringe driver is a effective first-aid instrument for the wounded of spinal cord injury in seawar.