Ethanol has been shown to improve motor function and axon growth in injured animals. This study aimed to determine if ethanol's protective effects are due to reducing oxidative stress from injury or through another mechanism. The hypothesis was that ethanol treatment would increase cAMP signaling and decrease cell apoptosis. The results showed that 5% ethanol for 24 hours increased PKA and CREB production while reducing cell death, supporting the hypothesis. In contrast, 15% ethanol led to more cell death and less PKA/CREB production. Therefore, combining 5% ethanol treatment for 24 hours with another drug may be an effective way to cure paralysis following injury.

1. Effect of cAMP signaling in ethanol mediated protection following injuryLydia Cortes, University of MiamiDr. Damien Pearse,Dr. Fenghan Yu and Daniella Garcia, Miller School of MedicineIntroduction:Ethanol improves motor function in injured animals

2. cAMP increases axon growth in cell implants and improve function of the cells