Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on function recovery of injuried spinal cord with transplanted neural stem cell in adult rats. Methods 96 SD rats were divided into 4 groups randomly: the injury group, VPA group，NSCs group and NSCs+VPA group. All rats were hemi-sected at T₁₀ level. The rats in VPA group were injected with VPA 300 mg/kg·d introperitoneally twice a day. Those in NSCs group were transplanted with absorbable gelatin sponge absorbing the identified NSCs. Those in NSCs+VPA group were dealed the same as those in NSCs group, and injected with VPA 300 mg/kg·d introperitoneally twice a day. They were assessed with Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB) scale and electrophysiology examination in 2nd, 4th and 8th week. The nuclear yellow retrograde tracing and DIL anterograde tracing were performed in 8th week. Results The number of neurons traced with DIL and nuclear yellow of NSCs+VPA group were more than that of other groups. The BBB scores and indexes of electrophysiology examination of NSCs+VPA group improved more than other groups, especially the motor evoked potentials. Conclusion VPA promotes neural stem cells transplant to repair the function of injuried spinal cord in adlut rats.

Key words: spinal cord injury, neural stem cells, valproic acid, rehabilitation