Effects of Chemotherapy on Astrocyte Density in the Rat Spinal Cord Dorsal Funiculi after Stab-wound Lesion: I. 5-Fluorouracil. II. Alphamethyl-tyrosine. III. Dexamethasone. IV. Simultaneous dexamethasone and 5-Fluorouracil.
Abstract
Rats were lesioned by stab wound in the mid-thoracic spinal cord. Chemotherapy was used in attempt to reduce the post-lesion density of astrocytes. Four experiments were conducted, each with a different chemotherapy regimen: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), alpha methyl-tyrosine (AMT), dexamethasone, and dexamethasone and 5-FU together. Astrocyte densities were determined by light microscopy. The 5-FU treated cords lead to an apparent 13.1% decrease in astrocyte density; this density is not significantly different from the control cords. AMT therapy resulted in an average astrocyte density that is 11.1% greater than the control (lesion and no chemotherapy). Dexamethasone treatment appeared to have increased astrocyte density by 22% but this had questionable statistical significance. Simultaneous dexamethasone and 5-FU chemotherapy may have produced a small cell density increase. There is no convincing evidence that use of these compounds will reduce the post-lesion glial 'scar'.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA025336
Entities
People
- John Norman Grim
Organizations
- Northern Arizona University