Ultrastructural changes in the liver after experimental spinal cord injury in rats: effects of methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin g and albumin.

AIM Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is routinely treated with standardized methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) dose, so it is reassuring to find its effects on liver. We also evaluated the effects of albumin and immunoglobulin G (Ig G) therapies on liver if they are used in case of experimental SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS The rats were allocated into six groups as control, trauma, vehicle, MPSS, Ig G and albumin consisting 8 rats for each. The rats with SCI were assigned to 30mg/kg MPSS, 5 mg/kg albumin and 400 mg/kg Ig G treatments. Tissue samples from liver were obtained for light and electron microscopy examinations and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS Trauma increased MPO activity and caused cellular changes of liver tissue. Both albumin and Ig G treatments decreased MPO activity significantly. The light and electron microscopic evaluations showed remarkable preservation of liver ultra-structure with all treatments including MPSS. CONCLUSIONS SCI resulted in neutrophil infiltration and changes in ultrastructure of liver. It was revealed that MPSS has no detrimental effects on liver. Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Ig G and albumin treatments also prevented neutrophil infiltration. To provide protection from secondary liver injury after SCI, use of albumin and Ig G treatments may be beneficial.