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PubMed2001

During multicellular migration, myosin ii serves a structural role independent of its motor function.

We have shown previously that cells lacking myosin II are impaired in multicellular motility. We now extend these results by determining whether myosin contractile function is necessary for normal multicellular motility and shape control. Myosin from mutants lacking the essential (mlcE(-)) myosin light chain retains the ability to form bipolar filaments that bind actin, but shows no measurable in vitro or in vivo contractile function. The contractile function is necessary for cell shape control since mlcE(-) cells, like myosin heavy-chain null mutants (mhcA(-)), were defective in their ability to control their three-dimensional shape. When mixed with wild-type cells in chimeric aggregation streams, the mlcE(-) cells were able to move normally, unlike mhcA(-) cells which accumulated at the edges of the stream and became distorted by their interactions with wild-type cells. When mhcA(-) cells were mixed with mlcE(-) streams, the mhcA(-) cells were excluded. The normal behavior of the mlcE(-) cells in this assay suggests that myosin II, in the absence of motor function, is sufficient to allow movement in this constrained, multicellular environment. We hypothesize that myosin II is a major contributor to cortical integrity even in the absence of contractile function.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Tolcapone improves motor function in parkinsonian patients with the "wearing-off" phenomenon: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.

We studied the new catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor tolcapone, 100 and 200 mg, three times daily (tid) in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial involving 202 parkinsonian patients who were experiencing the "wearing-off" phenomenon on levodopa therapy. After 3 months, patients receiving tolcapone had a significant decrease in mean daily levodopa dose requirement compared with placebo-treated patients (p < 0.01). In patients treated with tolcapone 200 mg tid, daily "off" time, measured using patient diaries, was reduced from baseline by 3.25 hours; this reduction was significantly different from that seen in the placebo group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the number of daily levodopa intakes was reduced significantly in each tolcapone group compared with placebo (p < 0.01). We found significant improvements in motor function and overall efficacy in the tolcapone groups (p < 0.01). The most frequent adverse events were associated with levodopa treatment. Dyskinesia developed or worsened in 18% of patients receiving placebo, in 51% receiving tolcapone 100 mg tid, and in 64% receiving 200 mg tid, with most cases occurring within the first 30 days of the study. Diarrhea was the most frequent nondopaminergic event, occurring in 14% on placebo, 13% on tolcapone 100 mg tid, and 19% on 200 mg tid. Overall 18% of patients withdrew because of adverse events: 15% on placebo, 17% on tolcapone 100 mg tid, and 22% on 200 mg tid. We conclude that tolcapone as an adjunct offers promise for the relief of the "wearing-off " phenomenon in levodopa-treated parkinsonian patients.

Aged↗

PubMed1981

Radionuclide ejection fraction: a technique for quantitative analysis of motor function of the human gallbladder.

A new noninvasive technique for the measurement of the gallbladder evacuation quantitatively is described. By using a radioactive bile marker [99mTc]HIDA, the evacuation of the gallbladder is measured nongeometrically in terms of ejection fraction (fractional bile volume emptied from the gallbladder) and ejection rate (dv/dt). The counts and volume in an in vitro gallbladder phantom under pinhole collimator geometry show a linear relationship (r = 0.998) enabling the replacement of gallbladder bile volume by bile counts before and after evacuation. The counts ejection-fraction shows a high degree of correlation (r = 0.998) with the measured-volume method. The movement of the gallbladder during respiration does not effect the measurement of ejection fraction. The technique allows simultaneous imaging and quantitation, and it is highly reproducible, carrying an interobserver and reproducibility mean error of 5%. This technique is suitable for studying the motor functions of the gallbladder and the effects of various pharmacologic agents on its evacuation. The clinical usefulness of the technique requires further testing.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Role of corticotropin-releasing factor pathways in stress-related alterations of colonic motor function and viscerosensibility in female rodents.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reports have shown that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is comorbid with anxiety/depression and stress-related events, and that the disorder is more prevalent among women than among men. In rodents, colorectal distention (CRD) induces abdominal contractions, and this visceromotor response is used to assess visceral pain. The activation of brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) pathways has a key role in the behavioral and visceral responses to stress. OBJECTIVE: In this review of experimental studies that delineate the underlying mechanisms of the stress response, we focused on CRF signaling pathways and sex hormones in modulating visceral hypersensitivity induced by CRD in rodents. METHODS: The findings of our recent research on the development of an experimental model of visceral pain in female rats and the modulation of the hyperalgesic response to CRD by CRF antagonists were integrated with those of the published literature. A MEDLINE search of the years 1981 to 2005 was conducted using the key words stress, CRF, CRH, CRF1 receptor, IBS, CRD, female rat, visceral pain, estrogen, and anxiety. RESULTS: CRF and other related mammalian peptides (urocortins) interact with the distinct CRF subtype 1 and 2 receptors. Well-documented preclinical studies have established the role of brain CRF1 receptors in mediating stress-related anxiogenic and visceral (stimulation of colonic motor function and sensitization to repeated CRD) responses in male rodents, whereas more limited studies have been performed in female rats. Our recent study indicated that the CRF1 antagonist antalarmin prevents visceral hypersensitivity induced by 2 sets of CRD in female rats. In several models of visceral pain induced by CRD, sex differences and a sensitization action of estrogen were reported. Our preliminary evidence indicated a potentiating interaction between CRF-CRF1 pathways and estrogen in the stimulation of colonic motor responses that may take place within the enteric neurons of the colon, where both CRF1 and estrogen receptors are present. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review suggest that overactivity of CRF1 signaling in the brain and the gut may have relevance in understanding the comorbidity of anxiety/depression and IBS in diarrhea-predominant female patients. Targeting these mechanisms with CRF1 antagonists may provide a novel therapeutic strategy.

Abdominal Pain↗

PubMed1985

Spinal cord monitoring. Electrophysiological measures of sensory and motor function during spinal surgery.

Various recording methods were tested in 60 patients who underwent scoliosis surgery to find the most suitable technique for the spinal cord monitoring and to elucidate the neuroanatomic relationship of the evoked potentials recorded by these methods. Responses were recorded from the scalp and spine after stimulation of the tibial nerve or the spinal cord. The potentials from electrodes placed over the muscles and the tibial nerve after stimulation of the spinal cord were also recorded. Epidurally recorded spinal evoked potentials after stimulation of the tibial nerve generally consisted of two major negative peaks, NI and NII, and subsequent multiple waves. NI may be mediated through the spinocerebellar tract, and NII is most likely mediated through the dorsal column. The polyphasic waves are probably conducted through the slower sensory ascending pathways. The potentials recorded from the muscle after spinal cord stimulation may be mediated through the motor tract. Various recording techniques described in this study were mutually complimentary in confirming the results of tests recorded in the technically difficult environment of the operating room. In general, spinal cord stimulation recorded from the scalp or the spine was superior to peripheral nerve stimulation in yielding better defined responses. If the potential recorded from the muscle after stimulation of the spinal cord is indeed mediated through the motor pathway, this would be useful to assess motor function during surgery.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1999

Study of central motor functions using magnetic stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

The pathophysiological abnormalities, the contribution of activity of facilitatory and inhibitory systems to muscle rigidity and hypokinesia in Parkinson's disease are not clarified in details. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex may provide useful data on the functional state of motor output of the central motor structures and on the functional condition of the intracerebral motor network. The abnormalities of the central motor functions and the modifying effect of L-dopa treatment in Parkinson's disease are the objectives of our study. Patients with Parkinson's disease were examined before and after L-dopa treatment. Transcranial and cervical magnetic stimulation were performed and the latency and amplitude of the motor evoked potentials from the first dorsal interosseus muscle, the central motor conduction time and the duration of cortical inhibition were measured. The motor latency and the silent period in patients before treatment were significantly shorter than those of the age-matched healthy controls. After six months of L-dopa substitution both motor latencies and silent periods increased and approached the normal values. The observed changes are thought to be in relation to the mechanisms originating in the basal ganglia and acting through inhibitory thalamo-cortical connections at cortical level and through rubro- and reticulospinal pathways at the level of spinal inhibitory neurons. The transcranial magnetic stimulation is a suitable method to assess the efficiency of drugs in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Addition of intensive repetition of facilitation exercise to multidisciplinary rehabilitation promotes motor functional recovery of the hemiplegic lower limb.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the intensive repetition of movements elicited by the facilitation technique to improve voluntary movement of a hemiplegic lower limb in patients with brain damage. DESIGN: A multiple-baseline design (A-B-A-B: A without specific therapy, B with specific therapy) across individuals. PATIENTS: The sample comprised 22 subjects with stroke and 2 brain tumour-operated subjects (age: 50.7 +/- 9.6 years, time after onset: 7.1 +/- 2.6 weeks). They were selected from among 165 patients with stroke who were admitted to our rehabilitation centre from September 1, 1995 to March 31, 1997. METHODS: Two 2-week facilitation technique sessions (more than 100 repetitions a day for each of 5 kinds of movement) were applied at 2-week intervals in patients with hemiplegia, who were being treated with continuous conventional rehabilitation exercise without the facilitation technique for hemiplegia. Motor function of the affected lower limb (Brunnstrom Recovery Stage of hemiplegia, the foot-tap test and the strength of knee extension/flexion) and walking velocity were evaluated at 2-week intervals. RESULTS: Significant improvements in Brunnstrom Stage, foot-tapping and the strength of knee extension/flexion of the affected lower limb were seen after the first conventional rehabilitation exercise session and after the first and second facilitation technique and conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions. The improvements after facilitation technique and conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions were significantly greater than those after the preceding conventional rehabilitation exercise sessions. CONCLUSION: Intensive repetition of movement elicited by the facilitation technique (chiefly proprioceptive neuromuscural facilitation pattern, stretch reflex and skin-muscle reflex) improved voluntary movement of a hemiplegic lower limb in patients with brain damage.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

Lack of the central nervous system- and neural crest-expressed forkhead gene Foxs1 affects motor function and body weight.

To gain insight into the expression pattern and functional importance of the forkhead transcription factor Foxs1, we constructed a Foxs1-beta-galactosidase reporter gene "knock-in" (Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal) mouse, in which the wild-type (wt) Foxs1 allele has been inactivated and replaced by a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. Staining for beta-galactosidase activity reveals an expression pattern encompassing neural crest-derived cells, e.g., cranial and dorsal root ganglia as well as several other cell populations in the central nervous system (CNS), most prominently the internal granule layer of cerebellum. Other sites of expression include the lachrymal gland, outer nuclear layer of retina, enteric ganglion neurons, and a subset of thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei. In the CNS, blood vessel-associated smooth muscle cells and pericytes stain positive for Foxs1. Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice perform significantly better (P < 0.01) on a rotating rod than do wt littermates. We have also noted a lower body weight gain (P < 0.05) in Foxs1beta-gal/lbeta-gal males on a high-fat diet, and we speculate that dorsomedial hypothalamic neurons, expressing Foxs1, could play a role in regulating body weight via regulation of sympathetic outflow. In support of this, we observed increased levels of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA in Foxs1beta-gal/beta-gal mice. This points toward a role for Foxs1 in the integration and processing of neuronal signals of importance for energy turnover and motor function.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alteration of distal esophageal motor functions on different body positions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study tried to resolve whether changed body position influences esophageal manometric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pneumohydraulic infusion system was employed to measure esophageal parameters for 32 healthy volunteers. They underwent two consecutive manometries on both supine and sitting positions in a random order. These motility measurements included lower esophageal sphincter pressure, dry/wet swallow induced contractile amplitude and interval of distal esophageal body, and its peristaltic speed. RESULTS: Sitting position evoked a higher lower esophageal sphincter pressure than the supine measurement (Mean +/- SD: 14.6 +/- 4.0 mmHg vs. 11.9 +/- 4.2 mmHg, p < 0.01). At the distal esophagus, a swallow led to a stronger contractile amplitude and longer interval on supine measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Recorded peristaltic speeds in various esophageal segments resulted in a difference while this result was mainly due to the different recorded body positions (p < 0.01). Partial esophageal manometric parameters recorded on sitting position are different from the supine measurement. Hence altered body position may modulate some distal esophageal motor functions.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

Biliary lipids, bile acid metabolism, gallbladder motor function and small intestinal transit during ingestion of a sub-fifty oral contraceptive.

The risk of developing gallstone disease while using low dose oral contraceptives (OC) has been incompletely explored in man. In this study, biliary lipid composition, bile acid conjugation, primary bile acid kinetics, gallbladder storage and emptying by quantitative cholescintigraphy, and small intestinal transit by breath hydrogen analysis are reported in a group of non-obese healthy young women, both after 3-5 months OC, using 30 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol daily, and during an adjacent control period. OC use was associated with a significant rise of biliary cholesterol saturation in gallbladder bile. Total bile acid pool size did not change; however, mean cholic acid pool size was 36% greater than in the control period (P less than 0.001), due to its enhanced synthesis rate, at the expense of chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid pool sizes (P less than 0.05). A rise in taurine conjugation of biliary bile acids was apparent in all subjects (P less than 0.0001). Gallbladder motor function was not influenced by ingestion of OC, whereas only a minor retardation of small intestinal transit was found. The findings show an effect of this sub-50 OC on biliary lipid composition and cholesterol saturation that is comparable with that of conventional OC. The predominance of more hydrophilic bile acid conjugates during oral contraception is in keeping with a hepatic effect of this preparation on bile acid metabolism.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

Motor functions of the large intestine in sheep versus cattle.

The electrical activity of the caecum and of the different parts of the colon was recorded from chronically implanted electrodes in the ovine and bovine species, the latter including cattle and calves before and after weaning. In the both species, colonic spiking activity consisted of spike bursts lasting from 5 to 13 s localized to the caecum and proximal colon, and of spike bursts lasting 3 to 8 s, localized to the spiral colon. An intermingled pattern of long and short spike bursts was recorded on the distal colon in sheep but not in cattle. Another major difference between the two species was a permanent short spike burst activity in the ovine spiral colon (95 versus 25% of the recording time in cattle). Periods of continuous spiking activity lasting 6 min, migrated from the proximal colon to the distal colon in the cows and calves but not in sheep. The role of the different patterns of colonic activity is discussed in terms of colonic motor functions involved in the formation of faeces.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1994

Evidence for specific interactions between 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptor mechanisms in the mediation of extrapyramidal motor functions in the rat.

Administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.1 mg kg-1 SC) completely antagonised the catalepsy produced by the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor antagonist raclopride (16 mg kg-1 SC). This effect by 8-OH-DPAT was in turn completely antagonised by treatment with the new 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (S)-5-fluoro-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(S)-UH-301] (3.5 mg kg-1 SC), but not by the mixed 5-HT1 receptor/beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (-)pindolol (2.0 mg kg-1 SC). The failure by (-)pindolol to antagonise the effects of 8-OH-DPAT on raclopride-induced catalepsy could be due to its beta-receptor-blocking properties, since by themselves both (-)pindolol and the selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist betaxolol (4 mg kg-1 SC) at least partially antagonised the raclopride-induced catalepsy. The present results provide further support for specific interactions between 5-HT1A and DA D2 receptor mechanisms in the mediation of extrapyramidal motor functions in the rat.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed1995

Postprandial gallbladder motor function: refilling and turnover of bile in health and in cholelithiasis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Impaired gallbladder emptying is implicated in gallstone disease. Ultrasonography and scintigraphy have shown conflicting results because the former is influenced by postprandial refilling, whereas the latter is not influenced by refilling. The aim of this study was to measure postprandial refilling and turnover of bile by combining the two techniques. METHODS: Simultaneous scintigraphy and ultrasonography were used in 14 patients with gallstones and 11 healthy controls. Measurements were performed while the patients were fasting and at 10-minute intervals after a standard meal for 90 minutes, and the measurements were used to calculate postprandial refilling, turnover of bile (in milliliters), and turnover index. RESULTS: Ultrasonography and scintigraphy provided different gallbladder emptying patterns. Compared with controls, patients with gallstones had impaired emptying by both scintigraphy (P < 0.0001) and ultrasonography (P < 0.01). Postprandial refilling and turnover were both reduced between 60 and 90 minutes (P < 0.05), and the turnover index was markedly reduced (1.8 vs. 3.5; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous scintigraphy and ultrasonography provide a new model of gallbladder motor function showing that refilling begins immediately postprandially. In healthy controls, the gallbladder postprandially handles up to six times its basal volume within a period of 90 minutes, but this turnover of bile is markedly reduced in cholelithiasis causing a reduced washout effect of the gallbladder contents, including cholesterol crystals.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1998

Circulating transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) in Guillain-Barré syndrome: decreased concentrations in the early course and increase with motor function.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the possible implication of the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder that may implicate cytokines in its pathogenesis. TGF-beta1 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine occasionally shown to be regulated in the course of demyelinating disorders. METHODS: The study measured circulating proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines from the progressing phase to early recovery in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Plasma concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-beta1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-beta1 were prospectively evaluated in 15 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome every three days for the first 15 days after admission to hospital, and in 15 controls with non-inflammatory neurological diseases. RESULTS: Concentrations of TGF-beta1 in plasma were decreased in 13115 patients (87 %) at day 1, remained low during progression and the plateau of paralysis (days 1-10), and then progressively increased up to control concentrations during early recovery (days 12-15). Concentrations of plasma TGF-beta1 correlated positively with motor function, the lowest values being e found in the most disabled patients. Concentrations of plasma TGF-beta1 were decreased before any treatment, and during treatment by either plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchange being associated with a more pronounced decrease in TGF-beta1 at day 7. Circulating TNF-alpha concentrations were raised, as previously reported, when other cytokines were either randomly increased (IL-2, IL-6), or undetectable (IL-1, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10). CONCLUSIONS: Down regulation of TGF-beta1 in the early course of Guillain-Barré syndrome could participate in neural inflammation.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1991

Monitoring the pressure of the sphincter of Oddi by percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy: new method for evaluating motor function.

The pressure of the sphincter of Oddi was measured in 40 patients using a thin microtransducer introduced via percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy. Choledochograms of the Vaterian bile duct were classified into four types: N (normal), I, II and III. Judging from the length of the Vaterian bile duct and the degree of fibrosis observed in the biopsy specimens, duodenal papillitis was found to be more severe in Type III than in Type II. Nevertheless the systolic pressure was significantly lower in Type III. We considered that when duodenal papillitis is considerably advanced, the force of contraction of the sphincter is reduced. In addition, based on choledochoscopic observations, as duodenal papillitis increased in severity, the incidence of an irregular shape at the end of the common bile duct during diastole increased. The indications for endoscopic sphincterotomy were determined based on the pressure of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with normal duodenal papilla. In the 26 patients in whom the procedure was not indicated, no gallstones developed. In the 3 patients in whom the procedure was indicated and performed, gallstones have not developed. However, 3 of the 6 patients in whom the procedure was indicated but not performed developed gallstones. This method is useful in evaluating the motor function of the sphincter of Oddi under relatively physiological conditions.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Central injection of a new corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) antagonist, astressin, blocks CRF- and stress-related alterations of gastric and colonic motor function.

The influence of central injection of a new corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) antagonist, astressin, [cyclo(30-33)[D-Phe12,Nle21,38,Glu30,Lys33]r/ hCRF12-41)], on exogenous and endogenous CRF-induced gastric ileus and stimulation of bowel discharges was investigated in conscious rats. Intracisternal (ic) CRF (0.6 microg) reduced gastric emptying of a noncaloric solution to 17.1 +/- 4.9% compared with 50.1 +/- 4.6% in control group injected i.c. with vehicle. Astressin (1,3 and 10 microg, i.c.) dose dependently prevented ic CRF-induced delayed gastric emptying by 33, 100 and 100%, respectively, and had no effect on basal gastric emptying. Abdominal surgery with cecal manipulation (1 min) reduced gastric emptying to 19.8 +/- 5.5% 3 hr postsurgery compared with 59.9 +/- 5.2% after anesthesia alone plus i.c. vehicle. Astressin (1,3 and 10 microg, i.c.) prevented postoperative gastric ileus by 56, 93 and 92%, respectively. Intracerebroventricular CRF (0.6 microg) and water-avoidance stress stimulated pellet output (number/60 min) to 5 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 2, respectively, compared with no fecal pellet output after i.c.v. vehicle and no exposure to stress. Astressin (3 and 10 microg, i.c.v.) blocked exogenous CRF action by 47 and 63%, respectively, and colonic response to stress by 0 and 54%, respectively. These data indicate that astressin injected into the CSF at low doses (1-10 microg) has an antagonistic action against CRF and stress-related alterations of gastrointestinal motor function, without an intrinsic effect in these in vivo systems. Astressin may be a useful tool to explore functional CRF-dependent physiological pathways in specific brain nuclei.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Neuronal LRP1 functionally associates with postsynaptic proteins and is required for normal motor function in mice.

The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a multifunctional cell surface receptor that is highly expressed on neurons. Neuronal LRP1 in vitro can mediate ligand endocytosis, as well as modulate signal transduction processes. However, little is known about its role in the intact nervous system. Here, we report that mice that lack LRP1 selectively in differentiated neurons develop severe behavioral and motor abnormalities, including hyperactivity, tremor, and dystonia. Since their central nervous systems appear histoanatomically normal, we suggest that this phenotype is likely attributable to abnormal neurotransmission. This conclusion is supported by studies of primary cultured neurons that show that LRP1 is present in close proximity to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in dendritic synapses and can be coprecipitated with NMDA receptor subunits and the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 from neuronal cell lysates. Moreover, treatment with NMDA, but not dopamine, reduces the interaction of LRP1 with PSD-95, indicating that LRP1 participates in transmitter-dependent postsynaptic responses. Together, these findings suggest that LRP1, like other ApoE receptors, can modulate synaptic transmission in the brain.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Somatosensory evoked potential, a prognostic tool for the recovery of motor function following malperfusion of the spinal cord: studies in dogs.

The potential usefulness of somatosensory evoked potential monitoring during aortic cross-clamping is slowly being realized. In addition, the protection of endangered spinal nervous tissue during aortic cross-clamping has not been sufficiently evaluated. To test the pharmacologic protective efficacy of various agents, we recorded spinal evoked somatosensory potentials (bipolar epidural catheter) in dogs under controlled conditions (N2O/O2-enflurane anesthesia) following clamping of the aorta for 1 hour. There were 5 groups of animals: those treated with different medications, such as prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), prostacyclin (PGI2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and PGE1 plus SOD for pharmacologic protection during ischemia, and the controls. The time to recovery of evoked potentials during the reperfusion period was 36 minutes in the controls, 15.9 minutes in the SOD group (p < 0.01), 12.5 minutes in the PGE1 group (p < 0.001), 10.8 minutes in the PGI2 group (p < 0.001), and 3.8 minutes in the combination group (p < 0.001). In addition, treatment resulted in a better neurologic outcome on the seventh postoperative day when compared with the control group. While in the control group only 1 animal could walk (9%), 7 of 12 in the PGE1 group (58%), 4 of 12 in the SOD group (33.8%), 8 of 12 in the PGI2 group (66.7%), and all animals in the combination group (100%) could walk. We computed an exponential correlation that related the mean time of potential recovery during reperfusion with Tarlov scoring (grade 0 = paraplegia; grade 1 = paraplegia with little movements; grade 2 = paraparesis; grade 3 = paraparesis with some problems; grade 4 = normal motor function) in the various groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alprostadil↗