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A unique gene expression pattern/transcriptome characterizes the presentation of every disease state. Strategies for identification of gene families with altered expression patterns offer an information rich approach to initially assess the relevance of gene expression to disease pathology. To identify important candidate genes critical to the biochemical mechanisms mediating spinal cord injury (SCI), we have selected gene families that may have a relevant impact on SCI for analysis by real time PCR. Using this quantitative, fluorescence‐based method for the real time detection of PCR, we have evaluated the expression of 80 known genes at time points up to 24 h post SCI. These families/groups include the TGF‐β ligand, receptor and Smad superfamily; matrix metalloproteinases; and genes involved in angiogenesis and wound healing; free radical metabolism; cell death; as well as miscellaneous growth and regulatory factors. The gene expression patterns were evaluated in samples from 12 and 24 h post injury or sham controls using a rat contusion model. 36 genes had a two or greater cycle number difference between at least one injury time point and control. 10 genes exhibiting the largest change with a four or greater cycle number difference compared to controls were also analyzed at 2 and 6 h post injury. Additional real time PCR studies were performed on 4 of these 10 genes at all time points directly relating changes in cycle number with fold induction. The ability to rapidly and directly quantitate gene expression has provided a powerful approach to elucidate genes potentially relevant to cellular events in SCI.

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