Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe changes of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and aetylcholinesterase (AChE) in motor endplate (MEP) after complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in the rat.MethodsSCI model of Wistar rats were established by transecting T₁₀ spinal cord completely. The venters of the tibial anterior muscle were taken at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively to carry out the experiment.The changes of CGRP and AChE in the MEP were investigated with immunohistochemical test.ResultsAfter complete SCI, the quantity and distribution of CGRP decreased in MEP of 1-week sample, and the changes of AChE were observed until 4-week sample, and although the staining was light and sparse, CGRP and AChE existed in MEP during 2 months postoperatively.ConclusionThere is degeneration of MEP in skeletal muscle after upper motor neuron injury; CGRP and AChE are related to the degeneration of MEP; CGRP test can show the changes of MEP earlier.

Key words: spinal cord injury (SCI), motor endplate (MEP), calcitonin gene reated peptide (CGRP), aetylcholinesterase (AChE), rat