颈交感神经干离断对局灶性脑缺血再灌注后大鼠海马iNOS表达的影响

目的采用颈交感干离断（TCST）模拟星状神经节阻滞，观察其对局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤（CIRI）大鼠脑梗死容积及海马诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）表达等的影响，并探讨其脑保护作用的机制。方法将大鼠随机分成实验组（A组）、对照组（B组）和假手术组（C组）；采用线栓法行大脑中动脉栓塞（MCAO）制作大鼠局灶性CIRI模型，A组于TCST后即行MCAO，2h后再恢复灌注；B组为单纯CIRI组；C组仅完成与A组相似的手术步骤但不造成MCAO、不行TCST；再灌注24h后观察各组大鼠神经行为学评分、脑梗死容积及海马iNOs的表达变化。结果A组大鼠脑梗死容积和神经行为学评分均低于B组（P〈0．05）；与A组、C组相比，B组大鼠海马iNOS的表达增加（P〈0．05），而A组与C组间无显著差异（P〉0．05）。结论TCST可通过下调大鼠海马iNOS的表达而对局灶性CIRI发挥脑保护作用。     

Effects of transection of cervical sympathetic trunk on cerebral infarct volume and oxygen free radical levels in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) plays a protective role on the brain, but the precise mechanism of action is not clear.OBJECTIVE: To simulate SGB by transection of the cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST) and to investigate the TCST effects on changes in cerebral infarct volume and oxygen free radical levels in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A complete randomized control animal experiment was performed at the Institute of Neurological Diseases of Taihe Hospital, Yunyang Medical College from February to December 2005.MATERIALS: A total of 101 healthy Wistar rats, weighing 280-320g, of both genders, aged 17-18 weeks, were used in this study. 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was purchased from Changsha Hongyuan Biological Company. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) assay kits were provided by Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute.METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into a TCST group, a model group and a sham operation group. Successful models were included in the final analysis, with at least 20 rats in each group. After TCST, rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established in the TCST group by receiving middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by the intraluminal suture method for 2 hours, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were made in the model group. Rats in the sham operation group underwent experimental procedures as for the model group, threading depth of 10mm, and middle cerebral artery was not ligated.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Brain tissue sections of ten rats from each group were used to measure cerebral infarct volume by TTC staining. Brain tissue homogenate of another ten rats from each group was used to detect SOD activities, MDA contents and NO levels. Rat neurological function was assessed by neurobehavioral measures.RESULTS: Cerebral infarct volume was bigger in the model group than in the TCST group (P<0.05). Twenty four hours after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, SOD activities were lower, whereas MDA contents and NO levels were higher in the TCST and model groups, compared with the sham operation group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, SOD activities were higher, whereas MDA contents and NO levels were lower in the TCST group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: After TCST, cerebral infarct volume is reduced, SOD activities are increased, and MDA contents and NO levels are decreased compared to the model group in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. These changes may be associated with TCST.     

阿托伐他汀对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后梗死灶周围中性粒细胞浸润和核转录因子-κB表达水平的影响

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后梗死灶周围中性粒细胞浸润以及核转录因子-κB表达水平的影响.方法 采用常规尼龙线栓法制备SD大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型,并将大鼠随机分为假手术组、大脑中动脉阻断再灌注(Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion,MCAO/R)(对照)组和M...     

脑缺血再灌注模型大鼠跑台运动后海马神经再生和血管内皮生长因子mRNA的变化

背景：研究表明跑台运动能促进健康大鼠海马的神经细胞再生。 目的：观察跑台运动对脑缺血再灌注模型大鼠海马神经再生和血管内皮生长因子mRNA表达的影响。 方法：用线栓法阻塞大脑中动脉以建立单侧脑缺血再灌注模型大鼠,将建模成功大鼠随机分为跑台运动组和安静对照组,另设假手术组。安静对照组和假手术组大鼠安静饲养,跑台运动组进行7 d跑台运动。跑台运动组和安静对照组大鼠在每天跑台运动前腹腔注射5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷溶液。 结果与结论：免疫组织化学染色结果显示,跑台运动组大鼠双侧海马及齿状回5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷阳性表达细胞数量显著多于安静对照组(P < 0.01)。实时荧光定量PCR检测结果显示,跑台运动组大鼠海马血管内皮生长因子mRNA表达水平显著高于安静对照组和假手术组(P < 0.05)。结果证实,跑台运动能够明显促进脑缺血再灌注大鼠海马神经细胞的再生并上调海马组织血管内皮生长因子的表达。     

胰岛素对局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤的作用

目的　观察胰岛素对脑缺血再灌注损伤的治疗作用。方法　制备易卒中型肾血管性高血压大鼠（ Ｒ Ｈ Ｒ Ｓ Ｐ） ,用线栓法复制大脑中动脉阻塞（ Ｍ Ｃ Ａ Ｏ） ,造成缺血６ ｈ 再灌注１８ ｈ ,术后立即及６ 小时后即时使用胰岛素,测定神经功能障碍评分及脑梗死体积的变化。结果　胰岛素可使神经功能障碍评分显著减低,梗死灶体积及其占全大脑体积比值,两半球体积差值显著减小。结论　胰岛素能减轻脑缺血再灌注损伤,早期用药效果更好。     

Cromakalin pretreatment affects mitochondrial structure and function in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial structural changes and energy dysmetabolism frequently occur subsequent to cerebral ischemia. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channel openers exhibit protective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. OBJECTIVE: To validate the effects of cromakalin on mitochondrial structure and function in ischemic penumbra brain tissue in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The present single-factor analysis of variance, randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Institute of Brain Science, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College between October 2007 and March 2008. MATERIALS: Forty male, Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, with 10 rats per group: sham-operated, MCAO, MCAO ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener (cromakalin), and MCAO eromakalin ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocking agent (glibenclamide). METHODS: Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by MCAO in all groups except the sham-operated group. The MCAO cromakalin group was administered 10 mg/kg cromakalin (i.p.) prior to MCAO induction. The MCAO cromakalin glibenclamide group received an injection of 10 mg/kg cromakalin (i.v.), and subsequently an injection of 10 mg/kg cromakalin (i.p.) prior to MCAO induction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 24 hours after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, cellular apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling technique. Cytochrome C expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. In addition, mitochondrial swelling, membrane fluidity, membrane phospholipid and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents, as well as Na -K -ATPase, Ca2 -ATPase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operated group, the three ischemia groups exhibited significantly elevated mitochondrial MDA content, reduced membrane phospholipid and ATP contents, down-regulated membrane fluidity, and reduced Na -K -ATPase, Ca2 -ATPase, and SOD activities (P < 0.05-0.01 ). In the MCAO eromakalin group, the number of apoptotic cells decreased, and cytochrome C expression, as well as MDA content, were reduced. However, ATP content and Na -K -ATPase, Ca2 -ATPase, and SOD activities significantly increased compared with the MCAO group (P < 0.05-0.01 ). Glibenclamide noticeably antagonized cromakalin protection of mitochondria.CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with the ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener cromakalin increased mitochondrial Na -K -ATPase, Ca2 -ATPase, and SOD activities, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and inhibited cytochrome C expression following MCAO.     

颈交感干离断对局灶性脑缺血大鼠生存率影响的实验研究

目的研究颈交感干离断(transection of cervical sympathetic trunk,TCST)对局灶性脑缺血大鼠生存率的影响,为临床应用星状神经节阻滞疗法降低缺血性脑血管病死亡率提供实验依据。方法采用改良的ZeaLonga方法制备大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型。雄性Wistar大鼠236只,随机分为:大脑中动脉栓塞模型组(M组)和颈交感干离断组(T组),颈交感干离断组在造成MCAO模型的同时行TC-ST。两组动物均按栓塞时间又分为6h、24h、48h、72h4个时间点,计算并比较M组与T组在上述各时间点生存率的区别。结果T组在24h、48h及72h平均生存率明显高于M组(P<0.05);T组与M组比较6h生存率无明显差别(P>0.05)。结论颈交感干离断能够有效的提高局灶性脑缺血大鼠的生存率并可能有治疗作用。     

Neuroprotective effects of 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), an antioxidant in middle cerebral artery occlusion induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective potential of 6hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed by 22 or 70 hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, rats were evaluated for neurological deficits and cerebral infarction. Brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) were also estimated. RESULTS: Focal cerebral ischemia produced a significant infarct volume and neurological scores as compared with sham-operated animals. Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury was associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation in ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere of brain along with an increase in TUNEL positive cells in ipsilateral hemisphere of brain sections indicating oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Trolox (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment significantly decreased neurological damage which was evident from the reduction in infarct volume and neurological score. Trolox (30 mg/kg) also attenuated oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation. DISCUSSION: Oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage is implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Our study suggests that Trolox is a potent neuroprotective agent in focal cerebral ischemia and its neuroprotective effects may be attributed to the reduction of lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation.     

厄贝沙坦对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后炎症反应的影响

目的观察厄贝沙坦对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后脑内及外周炎症反应的影响。方法采用改良Longa方法制备大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞(middle cerebralartery occlusion,MCAO)模型,于缺血90min再灌注后24h和72h进行梗死体积的测量,采用免疫组化和ELISA方法测量脑内和外周血的粘附分子。结果厄贝沙坦可以显著减少局灶性脑缺血再灌注后24h和72h的梗死体积(均P<0.01),改善神经功能(均P<0.01);降低脑内ICAM-1、VCAM-1的表达及其外周血浆中可溶性的形式sICAM-1、sVCAM-1蛋白的水平(均P<0.05)。结论厄贝沙坦可以降低粘附分子的表达,减少梗死体积,改善神经功能,对脑缺血再灌注起保护作用。     

依托咪酯预处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨依托咪酯预处理对脑缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法 18只雄性SD大鼠,随机均分为3组,即脑缺血-再灌注组、依托咪酯预处理组、脂微球对照组。采用颈内动脉线栓栓塞致大脑中动脉阻塞模型,监测肛温及血糖,并于再灌注24h后断头处死动物,取大脑切片行2,3,5-氯化三苯基四氮唑染色,测量并计算脑梗死容积百分比。结果 依托咪酯预处理组脑梗死百分比明显低于脂微球对照组（P＜0.01）,低于缺血-再灌注组（P＜0.05）。但缺血-再灌注组与脂微球对照组相比差异无统计学意义。结论 依托咪酯预处理后可明显减小大鼠局灶性脑缺血-再灌注损伤后的脑梗死面积。     

一氧化氮供体及前体对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤保护机制的探讨

目的 观察介入给药一氧化氮（NO）供体硝酸甘油（Nitroglycerine，NG）及前体L-精氨酸（L-Arginine，ARG）对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后海马区星形胶质细胞表达的胶质纤维酸性蛋白（GFAP）的影响，探讨NG及ARG的脑保护机制。方法 采用大鼠大脑中动脉阻塞（MCAO）法建立局灶性脑缺血模型。将大鼠随机分为假手术组、MCAO组、NG组和ARG组。MCAO组、NG组和ARG组于缺血2 h再灌注同时分别局部介入给予生理盐水、NG和ARG，于再灌注3 h或24 h时，荧光法检测血清NO含量。并在3 h或24 h时处死大鼠，病理分析脑梗死体积以及免疫组织化学法检测海马区GFAP表达情况。结果 缺血再灌注后3 h血清NO升高（P <0.01），治疗组较MCAO组明显（P <0.01），GFAP表达阳性细胞数增加，但治疗组较MCAO组减少（P <0.01），各组大鼠脑组织未出现肉眼可见梗死灶；缺血再灌注后24 h，血清NO治疗组较3 h降低，而MCAO组较3 h升高（P <0.05），GFAP表达阳性细胞数较3 h增加（P <0.01），治疗组较MCAO组减少（P <0.01），TTC染色显示脑梗死体积治疗组较MCAO组减小（P <0.05）。结论 脑缺血再灌注后海马区脑组织GFAP表达增强，通过局部介入给予NG、ARG增加NO合成，抑制GFAP高表达，减小脑梗死体积。提示NG、ARG抗脑缺血性损伤的保护机制可能与抑制星形胶质细胞过度表达有关。     

16Hz 130dB次声预处理对大鼠局灶性脑缺血的保护作用

目的观察次声预处理对大鼠大脑中动脉阻闭（MCAO）模型致脑缺血的保护作用。方法SD雄性大鼠随机分为三组（每组10只）：对照组、假次声预处理组和次声预处理组。次声预处理组大鼠行16 Hz 130 dB的次声作用2 h/d,连续作用7 d;假次声预处理组大鼠每日放入次声仓但不接受次声,亦连续7 d;对照组大鼠正常饲养。最后一次预处理后24 h时,三组大鼠分别做MCAO模型,再灌注24 h后处死动物,观察脑梗死容积及神经功能学评分。结果与对照组相比,次声预处理组大鼠脑梗死容积明显减小（P〈0.05）,神经功能学评分明显提高（P〈0.05）。而假次声预处理组大鼠脑梗死容积和神经功能学评分与对照组相比无明显差异（P〉0.05）。结论16 Hz 130 dB次声预处理可明显减轻大鼠脑梗塞的容积,改善神经功能学评分。     

Brain edema and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND： Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis （TWEAK） participates in brain edema. However, it is unclear whether blood-brain barrier （BBB） disruption is associated with TWEAK during the process of brain edema OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of TWEAK on BBB permeability in brain edema. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An immunohistochemical observation, randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurosurgical Anatomy, Xiangya Medical College, Central South University ＆ Central Laboratory, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between January 2006 and December 2007. MATERIALS： A total of 48 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： normal control （n = 8）, sham-operated （n = 8）, and ischemia/reperfusion （n = 32）. Rats from the ischemia/reperfusion group were randomly assigned to four subgroups according to different time points, i.e., 2 hours of ischemia followed by 6 hours （n = 8）, 12 hours （n = 8）, 1 day （n = 8）, or 12 days （n = 8） of reperfusion. METHODS： Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） using the suture method in rats from the ischemia/reperfusion group. Thread was introduced at a depth of 17-19 mm. Rats in the sham-operated group were subjected to experimental procedures similar to the ischemia/reperfusion group; however, the introducing depth of thread was 10 mm. The normal control group was not given any intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： TWEAK expression was examined by immunohistochemistry; brain water content on the ischemic side was calculated as the ratio of dry to wet tissue weight; BBB permeability was measured by Evans blue extravasation. RESULTS： A total of eight rats died prior to and after surgery and an additional eight rats were randomly entered into the study. Thus 48 rats were included in the final analysis. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, TWEAK-positiv     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血损伤后半暗带区锌离子的变化

目的观察大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后半暗带区锌离子的变化,探讨锌离子在脑缺血再灌注损伤中的可能作用。方法将28只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(n=12)和大脑中动脉梗死(MCAO)组(n=16),以线栓法制作大鼠MCAO模型。分别于再灌注0h、3h、12h和24h时处死大鼠,取脑组织行TTC染色检测梗死体积,并制作脑组织冷冻切片,采用Newport Green(NG)染色法计数半暗带区NG阳性细胞数目并检测其平均荧光强度,分析NG阳性细胞数目与脑梗死体积的相关性。结果 (1)假手术组大鼠脑组织无梗死灶,也未见NG染色阳性细胞。MCAO组大鼠随再灌注时间延长脑梗死体积增大(均P<0.01),脑缺血半暗带区域NG阳性染色细胞数目随再灌注时间延长递增(均P<0.01)。各时间点间NG染色阳性细胞平均荧光强度无统计学差异(P>0.05)。(2)MCAO组大鼠脑切片NG阳性细胞数目与脑梗死体积比率呈正相关(r=0.88,P<0.01)。结论锌离子可能参与了脑缺血再灌注损伤的过程。     

亚低温对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后热休克蛋白70及胶质纤维酸性蛋白表达的影响

目的观察亚低温对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后热休克蛋白70(HSP70)及胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)表达的影响。方法将雄性Wistar大鼠30只分为假手术组、常温组和亚低温组。制作右侧大脑中动脉阻塞(MCAO)模型,观察缺血2h再灌注48h后各组大鼠脑组织学改变和HSP70及GFAP的表达。结果常温组大鼠脑皮质下神经元严重坏死,亚低温组皮质下神经元坏死严重程度明显较常温组轻,假手术组未见神经元坏死。常温组大鼠脑组织GFAP和HSP70阳性细胞较多,假手术组、亚低温组GFAP和HSP70阳性细胞少于常温组,假手术组偶见HSP70阳性细胞;图像分析显示,常温组大鼠脑组织GFAP、HSP70表达的平均光密度较假手术组和亚低温组明显增高(均P<0.01)。结论亚低温能减轻大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤,降低脑组织HSP70及GFAP蛋白的表达。     

亚低温对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后出血转化及超微结构的影响

目的 观察亚低温对不同时间窗缺血再灌注大鼠出血转化的影响及脑组织超微结构的改变,探讨亚低温对局灶性脑缺血大鼠的神经元和血管的保护作用。方法 利用线栓法制作SD大鼠大脑中动脉缺血再灌注（middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion,MCAOR）模型,闭塞时间分别为3 h、6 h和9 h,再分别随机分为常温组、3 h和5 h亚低温组,并设立假手术组。其中亚低温组再灌注后,用10％水合氯醛再次麻醉大鼠,将大鼠置于冰毯上降温,在15分钟内将大鼠肛温降至亚低温状态（32℃～35℃）,保持大鼠亚低温状态3 h或5 h。再灌注24 h后处死大鼠并取脑。每组取6只大鼠测量各组脑出血量;每组取2只大鼠,透射电镜下观察大鼠视交叉后皮层缺血边缘带神经元和内皮细胞的形态学变化。结果 各MCAOR组大鼠随缺血时间延长出血转化量增加,应用亚低温干预后,各组出血转化量均减少。各MCAOR组大鼠视交叉后皮层缺血边缘带超微结构显示不同程度受损,随着缺血时间延长逐渐加重。亚低温可减轻其损伤程度,以缺血3 h亚低温3 h组效果最好。结论 亚低温对大鼠缺血再灌注后脑组织具有保护作用,改善脑组织超微结构,为脑功能重建提供超微结构基础。     

脑缺血再灌注损伤模型大鼠参附注射液干预后热休克蛋白70的表达

背景：参附注射液可通过改善微循环,增加组织血氧含量发挥对缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。 目的：观察参附注射液对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后热休克蛋白70表达的影响。 方法：将SD大鼠随机分为3组：假手术组、大脑中动脉闭塞缺血再灌注损伤模型组、参附注射液组。 结果与结论：应用参附注射液1 d后,改善了缺血再灌注大鼠脑部神经细胞的排列,减轻了胞体肿胀,核固缩等现象,应用3 d后改善更为明显,胞体结构已较清晰,核固缩、溶解程度显著减轻,胞体肿胀现象明显改善。参附注射液组治疗后1,3 d热休克蛋白70表达明显高于假手术组与模型组。提示参附注射液对脑缺血再灌注具有显著的保护作用,其作用可能是通过促进热休克蛋白70的表达来实现的。     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注中磷酸化c-Jun氨基末端激酶和蛋白丝裂原活化蛋白激酶磷酸酶1表达变化的研究

目的：观察大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型磷酸化c-Jun氨基末端激酶（p-JNK）和蛋白丝裂原活化蛋白激酶磷酸酶1（MKP-1）的变化,探索p-JNK和MKP-1在脑缺血再灌注损伤中的作用。方法：雄性Wistar大鼠,随机分成假手术组,缺血2h再灌注4h、24h、48h和72h组。应用“线栓法”实现大鼠右侧大脑中动脉闭塞,2h后拔出线栓进行再灌注,并在相应时间点处死大鼠。利用免疫组化法观察p-JNK和MKP-1蛋白表达水平的变化。结果：与假手术组相比,缺血再灌注组大鼠梗死灶周围区皮质p-JNK和MKP-1蛋白表达水平明显升高（P〈0．05）,开始于再灌注后4,48h达到高峰,72h开始下降。结论：P-JNK和MKP-1相互作用,参与了脑缺血再灌注损伤的形成。     

Neuroprotective effects of 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), an antioxidant in middle cerebral artery occlusion induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective potential of 6hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed by 22 or 70 hours of reperfusion. After reperfusion, rats were evaluated for neurological deficits and cerebral infarction. Brain malondialdehyde (MDA) level and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) were also estimated.

Results: Focal cerebral ischemia produced a significant infarct volume and neurological scores as compared with sham-operated animals. Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury was associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation in ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere of brain along with an increase in TUNEL positive cells in ipsilateral hemisphere of brain sections indicating oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Trolox (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment significantly decreased neurological damage which was evident from the reduction in infarct volume and neurological score. Trolox (30 mg/kg) also attenuated oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation.

Discussion: Oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage is implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Our study suggests that Trolox is a potent neuroprotective agent in focal cerebral ischemia and its neuroprotective effects may be attributed to the reduction of lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation.