Objective: To clarify the effect of Jisuikang on neural functional recovery and explore its probable mechanism to improve the axon regeneration microenvironment on protein and mRNA level of nerve growth factor(NGF). Method: The rat models of spinal cord injury(SCI) were established by modified Allen's method. Twenty six rats were randomly allocated into pseudo surgery group (group A)

other 130 rats were randomly divided into model group (group B)

prednisolone group (group C)

high

middle and low doses Jisuikang group (group D-F) after SCI

26 rats in each group. The rats were intervened 30 min after anesthesia recovery. The spinal cord tissue were collected 3

7

14 d after SCI.The changes of the spinal cord tissues were observed through the HE staining

transmission electron microscope (TEM). Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were applied to test the expression of protein and mRNA of NGF. Result: HE staining:with the intervention time extending

the neuron survival in group C and E was more obvious than group B. The TEM ultrastructure scoring:group C and E reduced 7 d after injury(P<0.05).Immunohistochemistry:the different time points expression of NGF of group B-F was significantly higher than group A

the postoperative expression of group C and E remained a high levels after 7-14 d

compared with group B (P<0.01). RT-PCR:the expression of NGF of group C-F were higher than group B

especially in group C and E. The expression of NGF of group E was obvious higher than other groups after 14 d

compared with group C (P<0.01). Conclusion: Both Jisuikang and prednisolone can reduce and delay the pathological damage

prevent the occurrence and development of irreversible deformation phenomenon

and promote the expression of NGF after SCI. Prednisolone has a more obvious effect early after SCI

while Jisuikang has a lasting effect. Maybe it is one of the factors of Jisuikang to promote neural functional recovery and improve the axon regeneration microenvironment.