Conclusion
I/R injury of the spinal cord can be successfully demonstrated by aortic clamping in this surgical model. Betanin/Copper sulphate has ameliorative effects against operative I/R injury. Low toxicity of those agents makes them ideal targets for clinical research for this purpose.
Results
I/R injury was successfully demonstrated with the surgical model. Betanin and copper treatment significantly decreased MDA levels, MPO activity and the number of apoptotic cells in the spinal cord. Betanin and copper treatment significantly increased GSH levels. Copper treatment significantly increased SOD activity, whereas betanin was not as effective. Apoptotic cells were significantly decreased in both treatment groups.