The Effect of Rolipram and Macrophage Activated Medium on Functional Recovery following Spinal Cord

Spinal cord injuries result in the damage of nerve axons and thus a loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. Spontaneous regeneration of axons is currently not possible. However, specific unknown factors secreted by macrophages as well as the elevation of cAMP by administration of rolipram independently promote axonal regeneration. In the present study, we examined the effect of simultaneous activated macrophages and cAMP elevation using a rat model. Animals received a laminectomy followed by spinal cord contusion. Rolipram and macrophage conditioned media were administered to the rats. Functional recovery was then assessed using BBB locomotion rating scale. We have shown that the administration of rolipram and macrophage activated media 7 days post spinal cord injury hinders functional recovery