To observe the effects of Tanshinone ⅡA on the expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling-3,(SOCS3)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) in rats with acute spinal cord injury.Methods:A total of 60 healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group and Tanshinone ⅡA group.The acute spinal cord injury model was built in rats.At 8 h,1 d,3 d,7 d,and 14 d after spinal cord injury,we analyzed latency and amplitude of MEP (Motion Evoked Potential),and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions of SOCS3 and STAT3 in spinal cord tissues.Apoptosis neurons were labeled with TUNEL dyeing.Results:There were no changes in the latencies of MEPs in both groups,and the mean amplitudes of MEPs were higher in Tanshinone ⅡA group than those in control group.The expressions of SOCS3 mRNA and STAT3 mRNA were increased in Tanshinone ⅡA group compared with control group.The number of TUNEL staining positive cells in the Tanshinone ⅡA group was less than that in control group (P<0.05).Conclusion:Tanshinone ⅡA may enhance the expression of SOCS3 and inhibit the expression of STAT3,inhibit neurocyte apoptosis and palliate loss of neural function.It has certain protective effects on rats with acute spinal cord injury.