Dose- and time-dependence of L-NAME neuroprotection in transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats

1. In this study the effect of the dose and administration time of N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an NO-synthase inhibitor, in a model of transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats was investigated.
2. Two injections of L-NAME were given, of 1, 3 and 10 mg kg⁻¹, 5 min and 3 h after the onset of ischaemia. None of the doses gave any striatal neuroprotection, but 1 and 3 mg kg⁻¹ L-NAME reduced the infarcted volume in the cortex (by 26%, P<0.01 for 1 mg kg⁻¹ and 21%, P<0.05 for 3 mg kg⁻¹), whereas 10 mg kg⁻¹ had no neuroprotective effect.
3. Single injections of L-NAME 1 mg kg⁻¹, given 5 min or 3 h after ischaemia onset, had similar neuroprotective effects on the cortical infarction as did the repeated injections.
4. L-NAME 1 mg kg⁻¹ given 3, 6 or 9 h after ischaemia induction reduced the cortical infarct volume by 19% (P<0.01) when given 3 h after ischaemia, by 21% (P<0.01) when given at 6 h, and by 16% (P<0.5) when given at 9 h, but had no neuroprotective activity when given 12 h after ischaemia.
5. Thus a low dose of L-NAME is neuroprotective in a model of transient focal ischaemia, with a wide therapeutic window, much larger than that found for MK-801.

     

Neuroprotective effects of breviscapine against apoptosis induced by transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats

Breviscapine, a flavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Erigerin breviscapus, has been proved to be effective in protecting the brain against ischaemic damage, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we have demonstrated the effects of breviscapine on neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischaemia. Rats were administered with breviscapine (50 or 100 mg kg(-1)/day) intragastrically for seven successive days, then subjected to 2-h brain ischaemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by 24-h reperfusion. After reperfusion, the rats were killed and the brain samples were collected. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotiny-lated UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis were used to detect the level of apoptosis. The expressions of bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the cortex were determined by Western blot. Significant increases in the number of haematoxylin-eosin- and TUNEL-positive staining cells and DNA fragmentation were observed at 24 h after reperfusion, and the increases were inhibited by breviscapine (50 and 100 mg kg(-1)). Breviscapine at both doses markedly inhibited the expression and activation of caspase-3 and up-regulated the expression of bcl-2. These findings suggested that breviscapine attenuated neuroapoptosis and regulated the protein expression related to apoptosis after transient focal cerebral ischaemia, which may have contributed, in part, to the protective effects of breviscapine on cerebral ischaemic damage.     

Caffeic acid ameliorates early and delayed brain injuries after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM:To investigate the effects of caffeic acid on early and delayed injuries after focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and the possible relation to 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. METHODS: Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in Sprague-Dawley rats. Caffeic acid (10 and 50 mg/kg) was ip injected for 5 d after ischemia. The brain injuries were observed, and the levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes and leukotriene B4 in the brain tissue were measured. RESULTS: Caffeic acid (50 mg/kg) ameliorated neurological dysfunction and neuron loss, and decreased infarct volume 24 h after ischemia; it attenuated brain atrophy, infarct volume, and particularly astrocyte proliferation 14 d after ischemia. In addition, it reduced the production of leukotrienes (5-lipoxygenase metabolites) in the ischemic hemispheres 3 h and 7 d after ischemia. CONCLUSION: Caffeic acid has protective effect on both early and delayed injuries after focal cerebral ischemia in rats; and this effect may partly relate to 5-lipoxygenase inhibition.     

New models of focal cerebral ischaemia.

1. Studies in animal models of stroke have provided an invaluable contribution to our current understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia. The strengths of stroke research in animals are: 1) the ability to control the severity, duration, location and cause of the ischaemia, variables which confound interpretation of human stroke data; 2) co-existent disease states and variations in cerebrovascular anatomy are avoided; and 3) physiological parameters such as blood pressure, blood gases, temperature and plasma glucose (all of which influence the magnitude of the ischaemic lesion) can be closely monitored and controlled. Taking all these things on board, it is possible to induce a consistent focal ischaemic lesion in animal models of stroke (e.g. the permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the rat). This has resulted in the wide use of animal models for assessment of anti-ischaemic drug efficacy as well as for research into the pathophysiological sequelae of stroke. 2. Traditionally focal ischaemia models involved permanent occlusion of a major cerebral artery such as the MCA. However, since vessel occlusion is seldom permanent in human stroke more recent developments have incorporated reperfusion (following ischaemia) into the design of the animal model. This has been achieved by reversible occlusion of cerebral vessels using 1) intraluminal filaments; 2) microclips; 3) the abluminal application of potent and prolonged vasoconstrictors; or 4) the introduction of emboli into the cerebral circulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

脑室注射左旋硝基精氨酸甲酯对迟发性神经元坏死的影响

目的 :探讨一氧化氮合酶抑制剂左旋硝基精氨酸甲酯 (L NAME)在短暂性前脑缺血再灌注损伤中的作用。方法 :钳夹沙土鼠的双侧颈总动脉制造脑缺血模型 ,应用尼氏染色观察迟发性神经元坏死 (DND)的分布与数量。结果 :短暂性前脑缺血再灌注可导致海马CA1区锥体细胞DND ,一氧化氮合酶抑制剂L NAME明显地减少了DND。结论 :L NAME可能通过抑制神经原生型NOS对脑缺血起保护作用     

Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 antagonist, attenuates chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischaemia in mice and rats

Objectives Previously we demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor‐1 (CysLT₁) antagonist, on acute brain injury after focal cerebral ischaemia in mice. In this study, we have determined its effect on chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischaemia in mice and rats. Methods After transient focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, montelukast was intraperitoneally injected in mice or orally administered to rats for five days. Behavioural dysfunction, brain infarct volume, brain atrophy and neuron loss were determined to evaluate brain lesions. Key findings Montelukast (0.1 mg/kg) attenuated behavioural dysfunction, brain infarct volume, brain atrophy and neuron loss in mice, which was similar to pranlukast, another CysLT₁ receptor antagonist. Oral montelukast (0.5 mg/kg) was effective in rats and was more effective than edaravone, a free radical scavenger. Conclusion Montelukast protected mice and rats against chronic brain injury after focal cerebral ischaemia, supporting the therapeutic potential of CysLT₁ receptor antagonists.     

Increase by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) of resistance to venous return in rats.

1. The effects of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), on mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), cardiac output (CO) and resistance to venous return (Rv) were studied in rats. 2. In conscious, unrestrained rats, L-NAME (0.5-16 mg kg-1) dose-dependently increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) but not MCFP, an inverse index of venous compliance, either in the absence or presence of the ganglionic blocker mecamylamine (10 mg kg-1). 3. In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats, L-NAME (2, 4, 8 mg kg-1) increased MAP and reduced CO in a dose-related manner but did not change MCFP, TPR (+84, +140 and +192%) as well as Rv (+62, +72, +110%) were dose-dependently increased by L-NAME. 4. Our results show that L-NAME reduces CO by increasing arterial as well as venous resistances. L-NAME does not affect MCFP.     

人参皂苷Rb_1和Rg_1对大鼠可逆性局灶性脑缺血的影响(英文)

目的:研究人参皂苷Rb_1和Rg_1对脑缺血和再灌损伤的影响。方法:用可逆性不开颅大鼠大脑中动脉梗塞(MCAO)模型观察人参皂苷Rb_1和Rg_1对梗塞范围(IS),运动障碍(ND)及钙,钾含量的影响。结果:在2-h缺血,Rb_110—40mg·kg~(-1)iv于MCAO前给药减小IS 20％—49％,使ND由5.1减至4.1—2.3,抑制钙积累22％—50％,减少钾丢失18％—37％。MCA再通后给药减小IS12％—35％,使ND由5.2减至4.3—3.3,抑制钙积累10—40,减少钾丢失17％—30％。在永久缺血,Rb_140mg·kg~(-1)iv可减少IS,ND,钙积累和钾丢失。Rg_1对永久和2-h缺血均无效。结论:Rb_1是保护缺血脑的活性成份,对缺血和再灌损伤均有效。     

Effects of delayed puerarin treatment in long-term neurological outcomes of focal ischemic stroke in rats

Objective:

The present study aimed at investigate the therapeutic effects of delayed puerarin treatment in neurological outcomes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar rats were subjected to MCAO for 120 min followed by reperfusion for 14 days. Puerarin (0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg, intra-peritoneally) was administered at 24 h after stroke onset and repeated daily for 14 days. Neurological deficits were evaluated at 1, 4, 7, 14 days after stroke. Brain infarct volume and peri-infarct context vessel density were examined at 14 days after stroke.

Results:

Puerarin significantly improved neurological functions up to 14 days after stroke and decreased the infarct volume with doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg compared with saline controls. Puerarin treatment also significantly increased peri-infarct context vessel density at 14 days after stroke.

Conclusions:

Delayed treatment of puerarin initiated at 24 h after stroke is beneficial with improved long-term neurological outcomes and reduced infarction volume in focal ischemic stroke in rats. Enhanced vascular remodeling by puerarin might at least partially contribute to its beneficial effects.KEY WORDS: Cerebrovascular remodeling, focal cerebral ischemia, long-term neurological outcomes, puerarin, rats     

Immobilization stress causes extra-cellular oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in rats: restoration by L-NAME and vitamin E.

Stress has been shown to be associated with altered homeostasis that may lead to oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are important regulators of reactive oxygen species produced in extra-cellular milieu and represent the first line of defense against them. Extra-cellular non-enzymatic antioxidants may be disturbed by the production of superoxide and nitric oxide and this has not been studied in stressful situation previously. In the present study, effects of immobilization stress (IS), both acute (IS x 1) and repeated (IS x 7) were assessed on extra-cellular total antioxidant capacity measured as plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and protein sulfhydryls, and oxidative stress measured as leukocyte superoxide generation, plasma nitric oxide production (total nitrates and nitrites, NOx) and lipid peroxides in rats. Effects of pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors and vitamin E were also studied on these biochemical parameters. The results showed that both IS x 1 and IS x 7 resulted in extra-cellular oxidant-antioxidant imbalance as oxidant generation was increased and non-enzymatic antioxidants were depleted. Pretreatment either with NOS inhibitors or vitamin E restored stress-induced extracellular oxidant-antioxidant imbalance implying their potential role as antioxidants. Our data suggest that there is extra-cellular oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the stressed rats, with greater magnitude of severity in repeated stress paradigm. Augmentation of antioxidant defenses might be beneficial in long-term stress.     

MAO-B inhibition by a single dose of l-deprenyl or lazabemide does not prevent neuronal damage following focal cerebral ischaemia in rats

The present study investigated the effect of postischaemic infusion of an irreversible monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor, l-deprenyl, an equipotent dose of a reversible MAO-B inhibitor, lazabemide, or 0.9% NaCl on infarct volumes following focal cerebral ischaemia in rats. The drug doses (0.3 mg/kg) were selected to induce selective MAO-B inhibition (45-55%), but not MAO-A inhibition. The infarct volumes in the cortex or in the striatum did not differ between the experimental groups 72 hr after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, which suggests that during ischaemia/reperfusion, suppressed oxidative stress by partial MAO-B inhibition or MAO-B independent mechanisms such as induction of trophic factors, does not protect against ischaemia/reperfusion damage.     

Functional assessments in mice and rats after focal stroke

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of sensorimotor deficits in the mouse after focal ischaemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Twenty four hours after induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion, mice showed deficits in a range of sensory and motor tasks as assessed by the SHIRPA protocol. In addition they exhibited a decrease in rotarod performance and locomotor activity. Some behaviours, such as locomotor activity, were also impaired in sham operated animals compared to normal controls, although these impairments were not as marked as those exhibited by the ischaemic mice. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the short term effects of permanent focal ischaemia in mice. In a second series of experiments in the rat, rates of recovery over time were examined. Simple (neurological grades, rotarod) and complex (sticky label test) tasks were examined in rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion up to 7 days post-ischaemia. Ischaemic rats had a profound deficit in contralateral performance on the sticky label task with no evidence of recovery. A less marked deficit was also observed in ipsilateral performance of this task. These deficits were still present 7 days after ischaemia. Ischaemic rats also exhibited a deficit on rotarod performance but this had recovered 7 days post-ischaemia. Thus different sensorimotor tasks have different rates of recovery after focal cerebral ischaemia in the rat. Further characterisation of these tasks will enhance their utility meaningful preclinical means of assessing functional recovery of the administration of potential neuroprotective and regenerative therapies.     

Evidence for a neuroprotective effect of pyrid-3-yl-sulphonyl-urea in photochemically induced focal ischaemia in rats: magnetic resonance imaging evaluation.

A neuroprotective effect can be obtained with N-[(4-cycloheptylaminopyrid-3-yl)sulphonyl]N'-cycloheptyl urea (BM27), a pyrid-3-yl-sulphonylurea structurally related to torasemide, a loop diuretic. We have investigated the neuroprotective effect of BM27 by magnetic resonance imaging and use of the photothrombotic model of cerebral infarction in the rat. This method enables non-invasive quantification of the extent of the cerebral oedema from T2-weighted spin-echo images. This article reports the evolution of the extent of oedema with time (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h, 7 and 15 days and 1 month after induction of the lesion) in rats pretreated with 5 mg kg(-1) BM27 or an appropriate control. At all times, the rats treated with BM27 had, on average, smaller lesions than control rats (30% decrease between 2 h and 6 h). These results strongly suggest a significant (P < 0.01) but modest neuroprotective effect of BM27 in ischaemic cerebral stroke. Further investigations should be performed to determine if BM27 or its analogues are of clinical interest.     

Synergistic effects of caspase inhibitors and MK-801 in brain injury after transient focal cerebral ischaemia in mice

1. Excitotoxic and apoptotic mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischaemia. Both MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, or peptide inhibitors of the caspase family (z-VAD.FMK and z-DEVD.FMK), protect mouse brain from ischaemic cell damage. In this study, we examined whether these drugs which act via distinct mechanisms, afford even greater neuroprotection when given in combination following 2 h MCA occlusion (filament model) and 18 h reperfusion.
2. Given alone as pretreatment, MK-801 (1, 3 and 5 mg kg⁻¹, but not 0.3 mg kg⁻¹, i.p.) decreased infarct size by 34–75%. When injected 1 h after occlusion and before reperfusion, 3 mg kg⁻¹ reduced injury but not when administered 1 h after reperfusion.
3. Pretreatment with a subthreshold dose of MK-801 (0.3 mg kg⁻¹) plus a subthreshold dose of z-VAD.FMK (27 ng) or z-DEVD (80 ng) significantly decreased infarct size by 29 and 30%, respectively, and enhanced neurological function.
4. Administering a subthreshold dose of z-VAD.FMK (27 ng) or z-DEVD.FMK (80 ng) as pretreatment extended the time window for MK-801 (3 mg kg⁻¹) by 2 h from 1 h before reperfusion to at least 1 h after reperfusion.
5. Pretreating with a subthreshold dose of MK-801 (0.3 mg kg⁻¹) extended the time window for z-DEVD.FMK (480 ng) from 1 h after reperfusion to at least 3 h after reperfusion.
6. We conclude that caspase inhibitors which putatively block apoptotic cell death and inhibit cytokine production and the NMDA antagonist MK-801 act synergistically and prolong their respective therapeutic windows in cerebral ischaemia.

     

The effect of chlormethiazole on neuronal damage in a model of transient focal ischaemia.

1. The effect of chlormethiazole has been studied in a transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model of cerebral ischaemia in the rat. The MCA was occluded for 1 h by use of an intraluminal suture technique, with reperfusion for 24 h following removal of the occluding filament. Neuronal damage was determined by measurement of the area of necrosis following Cresyl Violet staining of sections taken through the ischaemic region. 2. In the initial experiment, occlusion of the MCA produced a large volume of ischaemic damage in both cortex and striatum, characterized by necrosis and pyknosis (total volume of damage, 287 +/- 13 mm3, n = 9). Rats injected with chlormethiazole (1000 mumol kg-1, i.p.) 60 min before occlusion had a reduced volume of damage in both regions (104 +/- 11 mm3; n = 9; P < 0.001). 3. In a subsequent study systemic physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, blood pH, blood gases and rectal temperature) were measured throughout the ischaemic period. 4. Chlormethiazole (1000 mumol kg-1) pretreatment produced little change in systemic physiology and the neuroprotective effect of the drug when given 60 min prior to the MCA occlusion was confirmed. Chlormethiazole was also neuroprotective when given 10 min following the start of reperfusion (control group: 244 +/- 52 mm3, n = 10; chlormethiazole pretreatment group: 102 +/- 23 mm3, n = 10; P < 0.001; chlormethiazole post-ischaemia group: 122 +/- 16 mm3; P < 0.001, n = 10).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

维生素E对L-NAME致大鼠高血压的影响

目的:观察维生素E对L-NAME所致大鼠高血压模型的降压作用。方法:用L-NAME复制稳定SD大鼠高血压模型。建模成功后,将大鼠随机分为空白对照组、低剂量组(维生素E 400mg.kg-1.d-1)和高剂量组(维生素E 1 200mg.kg-1.d-1)。大鼠每日口服维生素E,每2周以尾动脉测压法测量血压,统计数据采用重复测量的方差分析。结果:L-NAME复制高血压模型稳定可行,服用维生素E后,三组大鼠血压都有下降。下降程度:对照组<低剂量组<高剂量组(P<0.001)。结论:维生素E可降低L-NAME致大鼠高血压模型的血压。     

脂质胞壁酸诱导的延迟预适应对大鼠局灶性脑缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨LTA诱导的延迟预适应对大鼠局灶性脑缺血／再灌注损（I／R）损伤的作用。方法 采用改良Longa法制作大鼠右大脑中动脉（MCA）闭塞2h造成局灶性脑缺血模型，恢复血液灌流24h。大鼠在施行脑缺血前24h腹腔注射脂质胞壁酸（LTA，1mg／kg）诱导延迟预适应，检测脑组织再灌注24h后组织中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）和一氧化氮（NO）含量以及大鼠神经症状，并用透射电镜观测大鼠大脑皮层神经细胞的超微结构改变。结果 LTA预适应能明显减少脑I／R后组织中MDA的含量（P〈0、01），提高SOD的水平（P〈0．01），减轻神经细胞的超微结构损伤和保护细胞膜结构完整性，LTA预适应还能明显改善脑I／R后的神经功能，减少神经缺欠评分值（P〈0．01）。LTA预适应亦能明显降低I／R导致脑组织中NO含量的升高（P〈0．01）。结论 LTA诱导的延迟预适应能显著减少大鼠脑组织再灌注损伤，减少脑组织坏死，其作用机制与减少脑I／R后自由基和NO毒性作用有关。