Valproic acid improves locomotion in vivo after SCI and axonal growth of neurons in vitro

► Delayed valproic acid injection (8 h following surgery) significantly accelerated recovery of rats with spinal cord injury. ► VPA treatment, in a concentration dependent manner, allowed neurons to overcome Nogo-A inhibition of neurite outgrowth. ► The protective effects of VPA were associated with enhancing histone acetylation and neurotrophic gene expression.