Ind. scientists to study toxin, paralysis ties

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue and Indiana University researchers have received $1.5 million to study the role of a toxin believed to worsen spinal cord injuries and determine whether reducing its concentration in the days following trauma also decreases the likelihood of paralysis.

The funding from the National Institutes of Health will help researchers learn why spinal cord damage often grows worse after the initial injury.

Lead researcher Riyi Shi (Ree Shee) says spinal injuries often don’t initially seem serious, but can intensify over hours and days.

Purdue scientists will study whether drugs can control the concentration of a toxin called acrolein. It’s produced within the body after nerve cells are damaged. Researchers will look at two drugs that have been approved for high blood pressure and depression.