Plasma and urinary levels of 8-iso-PGF2α and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α were analysed at baseline and during the ischemia-reperfusion period in experimental spinal cord ischemia. A significant and immediate increase of 8-iso-PGF2α in plasma at the start and up to 60 min, and in the urine at 90–150 min following ischemia indicate an association of oxidative injury. The inflammatory response indicator 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α in plasma increased significantly at the start and up to 60 min after ischemia. No such increase was seen in animals with no spinal cord ischemia. Thus, free radical mediated and cyclooxygenase catalysed products of arachidonic acid are increased during spinal cord ischemia as a consequence of oxidative injury and inflammation.
