Effect of oleuropein on tissue myeloperoxidase activity in experimental spinal cord trauma.

BACKGROUND Neutrophil infiltration plays an important role in inflammatory reactions following spinal cord injury (SCI) and these cells cause substantial secondary tissue damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oleuropein (OE) on myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as an index of neutrophil infiltration. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into four groups of 7 rats each as follows: sham-operated group, trauma group, and OE treatment groups (20 mg/kg, i.p., immediately and 1 hour after SCI). Spinal cord samples were taken 24 hours after injury and studied for determination of MPO activity. RESULTS The results showed that MPO activity was significantly decreased in OE-treated rats. CONCLUSION On the basis of our findings, we propose that OE may be effective in protecting rat spinal cord from secondary damage by modulating of neutrophil infiltration.