Alteration of thrornboxane and prostacyclin levels in experimental spinal cord injury

We measured levels of thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-PGF10 in rabbit spinal cord and cat CSF after impact injury to spinal cord. Rabbit tiissue thromboxane B2 levels increased more than 6-keto-PGF10. In cat, CSF thromboxane B, was higher the first hour postinjury; CSF 6-keto-PGF10 also increased, but less so. These results imply activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The relatively greater increase of thromboxane B, suggests that thromboxane-prostacyclin imbalance may contribute to post-traumatic ischemia.