In the present study, we examined the mechanisms of hydrogen-rich saline, a

reported therapeutic antioxidant, in the treatment of acute spinal cord

contusion injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to produce a

standardized model of contuses spinal cord injury (125 kdyn force).

Hydrogen-rich saline was injected intraperitoneally (5ml/kg) immediately, and

at 24 and 48 hours after injury. All rats were sacrificed at 72 hours after spinal

cord injury (SCI). Apoptotic cell death, oxidative stress, inflammation, level of

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated. In addition,

locomotor behavior was assessed using the Basso, Beattice and Bresnahan

(BBB) scale. We observed that administration of hydrogen-rich saline

decreased the number of apoptotic cells, suppressed oxidative stress, and

improved locomotor functions. Hydrogen-rich saline increased the release of

BDNF. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline reduced acute spinal cord contusion

injury, possibly by reduction of oxidative stress and elevation of BDNF.