The neuroprotective effects of z-DEVD.fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, on traumatic spinal cord injury in rats

Abstract

Background: Apoptosis is one of the most important forms of cell death seen in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, including traumatic injuries. This type of cell death occurs via mediators known as caspases. Previous studies have investigated the roles that apoptosis and different caspases play in the pathogenesis of secondary damage after spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this research was to assess the neuroprotective effect of z-DEVD.frnk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, in a rat model of SCI.