Introduction: These studies were designed to determine whether PJ34, a novel Poly-ADP Ribose Polymerase Inhibitor, modulates expression of markers of stress and inflammation in the spinal cord following ischemia/ reperfusion(TAR).
Methods: 129S1/SvImj mice were subjected to thoracic aortic occlusion and 48 hours of reperfusion (n = 38). EXPERIMENTAL GROUPS INCLUDED: Untreated Control (UC, n = 21); PJ34 (PJ34, n = 11) and sham (S, n = 6). At 48 hours, mice were euthanized for mRNA analysis and assessment of spinal cord viability.
Results: PJ34 improved spinal cord tissue viability following TAR (UC:53.1 +/- 6.3, PJ34:73.5 +/- 4.1% sham, p < 0.01). mRNA analysis revealed significant expression of stress response genes in UC and PJ34 treated mice.
Conclusions: PJ34 enhanced mitochondrial activity and preserved neurologic function following TAR despite the expression of stress and pro-inflammatory markers within the spinal cord. The ongoing cord stress response in neurologically intact PJ34 treated mice may indicate the potential to develop delayed neurologic dysfunction.