The combined effect of iloprost and N-acetylcysteine in preventing spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.

Abstract Objectives This study investigated the cytoprotective effects of N -acetylcysteine (NAC) and iloprost on spinal cord ischemia in an experimental model. Materials and methods Thirty-five (male) New Zealand white rabbits were included in five study groups ( n =7, each group). One group served as Sham. Rabbits in other groups had their abdominal aorta cross-clamped just above the iliac bifurcation for 40 min. During aortic cross clamping, iloprost, NAC, both iloprost and NAC or saline (control) were infused. Results In NAC, iloprost, and iloprost+NAC groups, neurological status of rabbits (Tarlov score) 24 and 48 h after the operation was better than the control group ( p p p p Conclusions The use of iloprost and NAC may provide better protection from spinal cord ischemia.