Morphological effects of subarachnoid methylparaben on rabbit spinal cord.

Summary Spinal cords and roots of rabbits were examined grossly and microscopically after subarachnoid administration of: 0.1% methylparaben, 0.3% methylparaben, 1% methylparaben, 2% lidocaine with 0.1% methylparaben, vehicle, or distilled water at pH 9. Mild to severe trauma, resulting from placement of the spinal needle, was evident in 50% of the cords examined, but there were no morphological changes attributable to the subarachnoid administration of any of the solutions. Even at 10 times the concentration normally used, methylparaben produced no adverse effects on the cord or spinal roots.