Cyclic adenosine phosphate improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury via activating unfolded protein response.

The current study aimed to evaluate the role and underlying mechanism of cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP) on the functional recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI). Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring and inclined plane test indicated that cAMP treatment improved the functional recovery of SCI rats. Real time PCR and western blot analysis showed the mRNA and protein levels of IRE1, PERK, and ATF6 were increased in the SCI rats than those of sham control. However, higher levels of IRE1, PERK, and ATF6 were indicated after cAMP treatment. Meanwhile, more apoptotic cells were observed in the SCI rats, as evidenced by TUNEL staining and increased expression of GRP78, CHOP, and caspase12. In contrast, the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and caspase12 was decreased in SCI rats after cAMP treatment. In summary, we showed novel data that cAMP reduced cell apoptosis and functional recover after SCI mainly via activating UPR.