Effect of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 on anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) expression in acute spinal cord injury models (male Sprague Dawley rats)

Study Design

• Preclinical study in male Sprague Dawley rats; no human participants
• Laminectomy at the second thoracic vertebra, then mild (20-g) or severe (35-g) spinal cord compression with aneurysm clips
• Semax (ACTH 4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10) given intranasally to the treatment group; controls received 0.9% saline (placebo)
• Animals were terminated at 3 and 6 hours; IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were measured by immunohistochemistry in the posterior horn area

Key Results

• Mild injury: Semax-treated rats showed greater anti-inflammatory cytokine levels at 3 hours; at 6 hours only IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly elevated
• Severe injury: Semax-treated rats showed higher IL-10 and IL-13 at 3 hours, and higher IL-4 and IL-10 at 6 hours, than placebo
• Anti-inflammatory cytokine expression was greater with mild compression and at the 3-hour time point
• The abstract reports anti-inflammatory cytokines only: no pro-inflammatory markers, functional recovery, or dose comparison

Relevance

Early animal evidence that Semax may shift the acute response to spinal cord injury toward anti-inflammatory signaling. The authors note Semax’s prior use in brain ischemia without serious complications reported. This study measured cytokines within hours of injury and does not show functional benefit; the authors say the optimal dose and clinical outcome still need to be determined.

See Also

• Parent compound: Semax