Biomarkers of free radical injury during spinal cord ischemia

Plasma and urinary levels of 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha) were analysed at baseline and during the ischemia-reperfusion period in experimental spinal cord ischemia. A significant and immediate increase of 8-iso-PGF(2 alpha) in plasma at the start and up to 60 min, and in the urine at 90-150 min following ischemia indicate an association of oxidative injury. The inflammatory response indicator 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2 alpha) in plasma increased significantly at the start and up to 60 min after ischemia. No such increase was seen in animals with no spinal cord ischemia. Thus. free radical mediated and cyclooxygenase catalysed products of arachidonic acid are increased during spinal cord ischemia as a consequence of oxidative injury and inflammation. (C) 2001 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.