Fansa, I.Altug, M. E.Melek, I.Ucar, E.Kontas, T.Akcora, B.Atik, E.2024-09-182024-09-1820090300-0605https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000903700228https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12483/9465The protective effects of diltiazem were examined in a rabbit model of spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion induced by infrarenal aortic occlusion for 30 min. In the diltiazem group (n = 6), an intravenous infusion (2 mu g/kg per min) was started 10 min before ischaemia induction; normal saline solution was infused in the control group (n = 6). Neurological function was assessed using modified Tarlov criteria 24 h after surgery. Plasma samples were analysed for interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. Spinal tissue was analysed for malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and reduced glutathione activities. Tarlov scores of the diltiazem-treated rabbits indicated significantly improved hind-limb motor function compared with the control group. The diltiazem group also had better quantitative and qualitative histopathological findings. Diltiazem infusion significantly reduced IL-6 levels 3 and 24 h after reperfusion compared with the control group. The mean IL-10 level in the diltiazem group was significantly higher than in the control group 24 h after reperfusion. It is concluded that diltiazem has cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, leading to reduced spinal cord injury.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessDILTIAZEMSPINAL CORD ISCHAEMIAANIMAL MODELINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINESFREE RADICALSArticle37252053310.1177/147323000903700228193832472-s2.0-66649095947Q2WOS:000267907600028Q4