Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2012
Riluzole treatment reduces motoneuron death induced by axotomy in newborn rats.
Nerve injury in neonatal rats leads to considerable motoneuron death. We investigated whether treatment with riluzole (a presynaptic inhibitor of glutamate release) is able to enhance survival of motor units (MUs) in the slow soleus (Sol) and fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles after sciatic nerve crush in newborn rats. Examination of 3- to 4-month-old rats revealed a beneficial effect of riluzole treatment after injury carried out on the first day after birth. ⋯ In rats with nerve injury carried out on the second day after birth, increased MU survival occurred only in the Sol. We conclude that although riluzole treatment can rescue motoneurons destined to die and improve muscle performance, its beneficial effect is age-dependent, and the difference between the rescue of Sol and EDL MUs may be due to the slower maturation of motoneurons to soleus muscle. These findings have important implications regarding the motoneuron properties required for riluzole's beneficial effect.
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Journal of neurotrauma · May 2012
Magnesium sulfate and nimesulide have synergistic effects on rescuing brain damage after transient focal ischemia.
Magnesium sulfate and nimesulide are commonly used drugs with reported neuroprotective effects. Their combination as stroke treatment has the potential benefits of decreasing individual drug dosage and fewer adverse effects. This study evaluated their synergistic effects and compared a low-dose combination with individual drug alone and placebo. ⋯ MgSO₄ and nimesulide have synergistic effects on ischemia-reperfusion insults. Their combination helps decrease drug dosage and adverse effects. Combined treatment strategies may help to combat stroke-induced brain damage in the future.