The effects of synthetic growth hormone on spinal cord injury.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of synthetic growth hormone on healing process of reversible injured spinal cord. The rat was selected for the experiment in preference to larger animals for economy and availability. Under general anesthesia one level laminectomy was carried out at T-1 with the dura mater intact. The injury was created by Rivlin and Tator's clip method. Recovery of motor function was assessed for up to 4 weeks using inclined plane test of hind limb motor function. Although the effect of the drug is evident after 3 weeks, the study must be held for longer periods for a sufficient regeneration time to maintain a significant statistical evaluation.