Intraperitoneal Administration of Etizolam Improves Locomotor Function in Mice After Spinal Cord Injury

Neurotrauma Reports, 2023 · DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0071 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of etizolam (ETZ), a drug known for reducing anxiety, to also improve recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Mice with spinal cord injuries were given ETZ for a week, and researchers observed that ETZ reduced inflammation in the spinal cord. The mice treated with ETZ also showed improvements in their ability to move, suggesting ETZ could be a helpful treatment for spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

42 days

Participants

8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Etizolam (ETZ) administration in the acute phase after spinal cord injury (SCI) reduced the concentration of inflammatory cytokines.
2
ETZ reduced the number of Iba1-positive microglia cells and GFAP-positive astrocyte areas in the chronic phase in the spinal cord.
3
Locomotor function improved in mice administrated ETZ after SCI.

Research Summary

The study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Etizolam (ETZ) administration after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. ETZ administration reduced the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the acute phase and the number of Iba1-positive microglia cells and GFAP-positive astrocyte areas in the chronic phase in the spinal cord. Locomotor function was improved in mice administered ETZ, suggesting GABAA receptor stimulants may be effective therapeutic agents in the acute phase after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

GABAA receptor stimulants, like etizolam, may offer a therapeutic avenue for managing neuroinflammation and promoting locomotor recovery in the acute phase of spinal cord injury.

Neuroinflammation Management

Targeting neuroinflammation with drugs like etizolam could mitigate secondary damage following SCI, potentially leading to improved functional outcomes.

Further Research

Further studies are warranted to explore optimal dosages, long-term effects, and specific mechanisms of etizolam in SCI, including its impact on different cell types and cytokine profiles.

Study Limitations

1
The assessment of anxiety was limited to the IC-25 value, which may be affected by locomotor disability after SCI.
2
The study did not confirm the number of helper T cells in the CNS.
3
The effects of long-term administration of ETZ were not examined.

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