[Objective]To investigate the endogenous erythropoietin expression of neural stem cells(NSCs) of rats after hypoxia.[Method]We used a rat NSCs culture model.EPO expression after 4 hours of hypoxia was studied.It was examined again following 12 hours of hypoxic lethal insult which was applied various times after hypoxic preconditioning.EPO expression was studied by western blotting.[Result]Following the preconditioning,expression of EPO increased immediately and reached a peak 4 hours later.It lasted till 8 hours later.While applied the lethal hypoxia,EPO expression of cells in preconditioning 24 hours group were was significantly increased than that in preconditioning 4 hours group.[Conclusion]The hypoxic preconditioning can lead an increased endogenous EPO expression and decrease the threshold of EPO expression against subsequent lethal stimulation during a certain period.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of exogenous transforming growth factor β1 on the apoptosis of nerve cells and its functions following spinal cord injury in rats.MethodsNinety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:group A(control group),group B(spinal cord injured group),group C (spinal cord injuried +TGF-β1 treated group),group D (spinal cord injuried +anti-TGF-β1 treated group).The rat model of spinal cord injury was found by the Allen's method.In group C and D,drugs were injected into subarachnoid cavity continuously by minipump.The changes of spinal cord were observed by HE staining.Nerve cells apoptosis was detected by transferase-medi-ated dUTP nick end labeling (TNUEL) method and the expression of cell apoptosis factor Fas by immunohistochemistry staining.Functional recovery of hind limbs was measured by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor open field behavioral rating test.ResultsThe expression of TGF-β1and Fas increased following spinal cord injury.The amount of TGF-β1and Fas reached the peak 7days and 1day after injury.The apoptosis of neuron had increased and peaked 8 hours after injury.The apoptosis of neuroglia cells had increased and peaked 7 dayss after injury.The slight changes was found in spinal cord in group C.Both of the number of apoptosis of nerve cells and expression of the apoptosis factor (Fas) decreased significantly; compare with group B and D.The BBB score was higher in group C than that in group B and D.ConclusionTGF-β1 can improve the functional recovery of spinal cord by inhibiting the nerve cell apoptosis after the spinal cord injury.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of surgery treatment for syringomyelia associated with spinal cord type cervical spondylopathy.MethodsExpansive open-door laminectomy and spinal cavity-subarachnoid drainage were performed in 11 cases.ResultsThe extremity function of 11 cases were all recoverd to varied extent in the following 1-5 years(average follow-up:30 months).ConclusionsExpansive open-door laminectomy and spinal cavity-subarachnoid drainage is an effective method for syringomyelia associated with spinal cord type cervical spondylopathy.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics and therapy of fresh cervical spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) in children.MethodsThe materials of fourteen SCIWORA children (13 cases treated with non operative menthod, 1 case treated by atlantoocciptal fusion) were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsOne child was dead, and the other 13 cases had a 3-year follow up. Three children's symptoms had no change. According to ASIA criterion, there were 3 cases with grade A, 5 cases with grade B, 5 cases with grade C and 1 case with grade D before treatment. After treatment, there were 1 case recovered to grade B, 2 cases recovered to grade C, 5 cases recovered to grade D, 2 cases recovered to grade E.ConclusionSpinal cord injury caused by a short time dislocation of cervical vertebrae is the main reason of SCIWORA in children. The degree of the injury of spinal cord is related directly with the recovery of function of nervous system. Most patients can get satisfactory results by non operative methods. Operations are useful to the cases with obvious instability of cervical spine.