Based on data accumulated regarding the neuroprotective action of Proline-Rich-Peptide-1 (PRP-1, a fragment of
neurophysin vasopressin associated hypothalamic
glycoprotein consisting of 15
amino acid residues) on neurons survival and axons regeneration and taking into the account that
LVV-Hemorphin-7 (LVV-H7, an
opioid peptide, widely distributed in different cell types of various tissues of intact rats, including those of the nervous and immune systems) derived from the proteolytic processing of
hemoglobin in response to adverse environmental and physiological conditions, possesses the anti-stressor properties, we used histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology to investigate the putative neuroprotective action of Central Asian Cobra Naja naja oxiana
snake venom (NOX) on
trauma-injured rats. ABC immunohistochemical method and histochemical method on detection of Ca2+-dependent
acid phosphatase activity were used for the morpho-functional study. By recording the electrical activity of the signals from the single neurons in and below the SC injury place, NOX
venom has been shown to result in the complete restoration of hypothalamic-spinal projections originated from ipsi- and contra-lateral PVN and SON to neurons of SC lumbar part. NOX prevented the
scar formation, well observed two months after SC injury in the control rats, resulted in the regeneration of nerve fibers growing through the
trauma region, survival of the PRP-1- and LVV-H7-immunoreactive (Ir) neurons, and increase of the PRP-1 - and LVV-H7-Ir nerve fibers and astrocytes in the SC lesion region. NOX was suggested to exert the
neuroprotective effect, involving the PRP-1 and
LVV-H7 in the underlying mechanism of neuronal recovery.