We have previously demonstrated that the glutamatergic receptor (AMPA)
antagonist 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)- quinoxaline (N
BQX) reduces functional deficits in a standardized rat model of contus
ive spinal cord injury (SCI). NBQX not only acted to protect neurons f
rom excitotoxicity but also, unexpectedly, enhanced sparing of white m
atter including axons of descending pathways. We have therefore invest
igated mechanisms through which NBQX could produce beneficial effects
for white matter. We report here that NBQX elicits a rapid and selecti
ve induction of FGF2 mRNA levels in injured spinal cord. This novel ef
fect could contribute to the therapeutic properties of NBQX in the tre
atment of SCI. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.