Abstract: ObjectiveTo determine whether the β₂-agonist, clenbuterol, can improve recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury.MethodsThe spinal cords of rats were contused with a weight-drop apparatus similar to the NYU impactor at the lever of T₁₀. Locomotor function was determined with the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) Scale. Following 6 weeks of behavioral evaluation, the spinal cords were received histological examination.ResultsClenbuterol improved the recovery of locomotor function and increased the amount of spared spinal cord tissue.ConclusionClenbuterol caused the enhancement of recovery of locomotor function and spared spinal cord tissue following contusion.

Key words: clenbuterol, spinal cord injury, locomotor function