Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on the neural function recovery and the expressions of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in rabbit spinal cord after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods 24 rabbits were randomized into 3 groups: EPO treatment group, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group and sham group with 8 rabbits in each group. The rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury was established with Tetik's method. The changes of neural functional recovery of rabbits of 3 groups were observed through Tarlov's scale at different time points post-operation. The expressions of NF-κB were tested with immunohistochemistry. Results The grade of nerve function improved distinctly in EPO treatment group (P<0.01).The expression of NF-κB in EPO group was lower than that of I/R group (P<0.01).Conclusion EPO can significantly improve the motor function of hind limbs in rabbits after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury, which might be related with inhibition of the expressions of NF-κB.

Key words: spinal cord, ischemia-reperfusion, erythropoietin, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)