Does administration of recombinant human erythropoietin attenuate the increase of S-100 protein observed in cerebrospinal fluid after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Abstract
Object. Results of recent studies indicate that erythropoietin (EPO) produces a neuroprotective effect on experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been reported that S-100 protein levels increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after SAH, providing a highly prognostic indication of unfavorable outcome. This study was conducted to validate further the findings of S-100 protein as an index of brain damage and to assess whether treatment with recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) would limit the increase of S-100 protein level in CSF following experimental SAH. Methods. Thirty-two rabbits were each assigned to one of four groups: Group 1, control; Group 2, SAH; Group 3, SAH plus placebo; and Group 4, SAH plus rhEPO (each group consisted of eight rabbits). The rhEPO and placebo were administered to the rabbits after SAH had been induced, and S-100 protein levels in the CSF of these animals were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the experimental procedure. In each group of animals levels of S-100 protein w...