Objective:To investigate the effects of simvastatin pretreatment on expression of TNF-α

S-100 protein

IL-10 and the subtypes of NOS in rats subjected to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods:72 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation(group C)

ischemia-reperfusion injury(group I/R) and simvastatin pretreatment(group Si)(20 mg/kg for 3 days via an orogastric tube before the operation).Using Zivin improvements methods under the renal aortic cross-clamping to establish model

then all treated rats were randomly divided into three subgroups at reperfused 6

12

24 h for HE staining

ELISA method of the determination of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-10(IL-10)

immunohistochemical staining of S-100 protein

colorimetric detection of the subtypes of NOS(nitric oxide synthase) in spinal cord and neurological function scores within 24 h.Results:The expression of TNF-α and S-100 protein in group I/R was significantly correlated at different time points.Simvastatin pretreatment can reduce spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury

inhibiting the excessive secretion of S-100 proteins

reducing TNF-α content and iNOS(Inducible NOS) activity

increases cNOS(Constitutcive NOS)

improving neurological function score at 12

24 h after I/R.Conclusion:The expression of tissue S-100 protein is related with the inflammatory response subjected to spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion.Simvastatin can inhibit S-100 protein

reducing spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and improving neurological function

which may be related to the reduction of TNF-α and iNOS activity

increasing cNOS

However

simvastatin can’t raise IL-10 to produce the protective effect.