Objective: To explore the mechanism of Danshen injection on promoting spinal cord functional recovery by observing the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in rats with spinal cord injury(SCI). Method: Fifty SD rats were selected and divided randomly into normal control group

model group

Danshen injection treatment group

Danshen injection+rapamycin group and methylprednisolone sodium group(n=10 in each group). The rats in normal group were fed normally

and all the rats in other groups received 1 mL · kg-1 · d-1 normal saline

Danshen injection

Danshen injection (including rapamycin 3 mg · kg-1) by intraperitoneal injection and methylprednisolone sodium solution by tail vein injection.The combine behavioral score(CBS) was used on 1

3

7

14 d after SCI to evaluate the recovery of spinal nerve function in rats. All theses rats were killed on 14 d after SCI

and the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were detected with immunohistochemical staining method and Western blot technique. Result: 14 d after SCI

as compared with the normal control group

the CBS and expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were elevated in the model group (P<0.05). As compared with the model group

the CBS was declined and the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were elevated in Danshen injection treatment group (P<0.05). As compared with the Danshen injection treatment group

the CBS was elevated and the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were declined in Danshen injection+rapamycin group(P<0.05). The differences of these indicators were not statistically significant between Danshen injection treatment group and methylprednisolone sodium group. Conclusion: Danshen injection could promote the recovery of nerve function after SCI by regulating the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF.