Leuprolide Acetate, a GnRH Agonist, Improves the Neurogenic Bowel in Ovariectomized Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

Background Electromyographic studies have shown that external anal sphincter activity is modified in response to distension in animals with spinal cord injury. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its agonist leuprolide acetate have neurotrophic properties in animals with spinal cord injury. Aim This study was to determine the effects of leuprolide acetate treatment on electromyographic activity of the external anal sphincter and anorectal manometry in ovariectomized rats with spinal cord injury. Methods Adult ovariectomized rats were divided in three groups: (a) sham of spinal cord injury, (b) spinal cord injury treated with saline solution, and (c) spinal cord injury treated with leuprolide acetate. The spinal cord injury was induced by clamping at level T9. Leuprolide acetate dosage of 10 μg/kg was proctored intramuscular for 5 weeks, commencing the day after the lesion. Electromyography of the external anal sphincter, anorectal manometry, and volume of the cecum were evaluated in all groups. Results The electromyographic study of the external anal sphincter activity showed a significant improvement in injured rats treated with leuprolide acetate. Manometric analysis and cecum volume data obtained in animals with leuprolide acetate were very similar to those found in the sham group. Conclusions These results demonstrate that leuprolide acetate treatment improves the neurogenic colon in ovariectomized rats with spinal cord injury.