Ethyl pyruvate modulates delayed paralysis following thoracic aortic ischemia reperfusion in mice

Spinal cord ischemia characterized by delayed paralysis remains a devastating clinical problem following open and endovascular repair of complex thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Ethyl pyruvate is a potent molecule which has been found to provide protection against sepsis and limb ischemia in animal models. This article provides evidence that ethyl pyruvate provides substantial protection against the development of delayed paralysis in a murine model of thoracic aortic ischemia reperfusion. These results are relevant to the human condition because the blood supply to the spinal cord of the mouse mimics the blood supply to the spinal cord of humans.