DECREASED GABA IMMUNOREACTIVITY IN SPINAL-CORD DORSAL HORN NEURONS AFTER TRANSIENT SPINAL-CORD ISCHEMIA IN THE RAT

The number of GABA-like immunoreactive (LI) cells in lamina I-III of t he rat spinal cord was significantly decreased bilaterally 48-72 h aft er photochemical induction of transient spinal cord ischemia compared to sham-operated controls. No significant changes in the number of GAB A-LI cells were observed at cervical level. The number of GABA-LI cell s was restored 2 weeks after ischemia. These data, together with recen t behavioral and electrophysiological findings, suggest that decreased intraneuronal GABA levels after spinal cord ischemia may underlie the development of the temporary pain-like response to innocuous mechanic al stimuli (allodynia) in rats after transient spinal cord ischemia.