Protection of erythropoietin on experimental spinal cord injury by reducing the expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor-beta.

Abstract

Increased expression of TSP-1 and TGF-beta can be found in the injured segment of the spinal cord at 24 hours and 7 days after injury. EPO treatment can effectively prevent pathological alterations from severe spinal cord injury by reduced expression of TSP-1 and TGF-beta.