Changes of dendritic morphology and spine density in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of chronic cerebral ischemic rats

AIM: To investigate the changes of dendritic morphology and spine density in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of the chronic cerebral ischemic rats. METHODS: The model of chronic cerebral ischemia was established by permanent occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries (2VO) in rats. Two weeks, 4 weeks or 8 weeks later, the behavior of the rats in each group was evaluated through the Morris water maze to select the successful modeling, and the brains were collected for processing Golgi staining. The changes in dendritic branch and length, and spine density in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were observed under optical microscope. RESULTS: Compared with sham-operated group, dendritic branch and length in model group was significantly reduced in 4-week group and 8-week group (P<0.01), and spine density in model group were significantly reduced in 2-week, 4-week and 8-week groups (P<0.01). With prolonged ischemia, dendritic branch and length, and spine density in model group were all significantly reduced (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic cerebral ischemia leads to traumatic changes in dendrites and spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, which constitutes the pathophysiological basis in the progressive cognitive dysfunction.     

Effects of chronic hypobaric hypoxia exposure on dendritic spine morphological changes and filamin-A expression in neurons of mouse hippocampal CA1 region

AIM:To investigate the effects of hypobaric hypoxic exposure on the morphological changes of dendritic spines and the expression of filamin-A in the neurons of mouse hippocampal CA1 region. METHODS:C57BL/6 male mice (6~8-week-old) were divided into normoxia 7 d group, normoxia 14 d group, hypobaric hypoxia 7 d group and hypobaric hypoxia 14 d group. The mice in hypobaric hypoxia exposure groups were placed in a hypobaric chamber with hypobaric hypoxia exposure to simulate the plateau at an altitude of 6 000 m. Golgi staining assay was used to observe the branch number of dendrites, and the length and density of basal and apical dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region. The protein expression of filamin-A in the hippocampus of the mice was determined by Western blot. The protein expression and distribution of filamin-A in the hippocampal CA1 region were detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS:Compared with normoxia exposure group, no significant difference of the number of dendritic branches in the hippocampal CA1 region after hypobaric hypoxia exposure was observed. However, the length of basal spines and apical spines was increased significantly (P<0.05), and the density of basal spines and apical spines was significantly reduced after hypobaric hypoxia exposure (P<0.01). The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression of filamin-A in the hippocampus of the mice after hypobaric hypoxia exposure was lower than that in normoxia exposure group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the filamin-A protein was expressed in the mouse hippocampal CA1 region, and the expression level after hypobaric hypoxia exposure was lower than that in normoxia group. CONCLUSION:Chronic hypobaric hypoxia exposure affects the protein expression level of filamin-A in the mouse hippocampal CA1 region, thus leading to the morphological changes of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region.     

Acute cerebral ischemia activates EphB2/ephrin-B1/NMDA receptor signaling pathway to promote hippocampal neurogenesis in mice

AIM To investigate the effect of acute cerebral ischemia on hippocampal neurogenesis in mice and its possible mechanism involving EphB2/ephrin-B1/NMDA receptor signaling pathway. METHODS C57BL/6 mice (n=52) were randomly divided into sham group and acute cerebral ischemia group (model group). The model of acute cerebral ischemia in mice was established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The pathological changes of the hippocampal CA1 region in mice were observed by HE staining. The learning and memory functions of the mice were assessed by Morris water maze. The BrdU positive cells and doublecortin (DCX) protein expression were observed by immunofluorescence staining for detecting hippocampal neurogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB2, ephrin-B1, reelin, microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) and NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in the hippocampus were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 region was significant (P<0.01), and the learning and memory functions were significantly decreased in the cerebral ischemia mice(P<0.01), suggesting that the cerebral ischemia model was successfully established. The BrdU positive cells and DCX protein expression were increased significantly (P<0.01), indicating that neurogenesis occurred in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia. At the same time, the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB2, ephrin-B1, reelin, MAP-2, NR2A and NR2B in the hippocampus were also significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acute cerebral ischemia promotes the proliferation of hippocampal neural stem cells and endogenous neurogenesis, which may be related to the activation of EphB2/ephrin-B1/NMDA receptor signaling pathway.     

Effect of Chinese herbs 9602 on the alterations of evoking population spike and morphology in hippocampal CA1 region after ischemia/reperfusion in rats

AIM:To explore the relationship between dynamic changes of population spike (PS) and morphologic alterations in hippocampal CA1 region and morphology after transient ischemia/reperfusion and the improving effects of Chinese herbs 9602.METHODS:Changes of evoking population spike ware investigated by electrical stimulating Schaf er collateral in CA1 region of hippocampal slice after ischemia/reperfusion in vivo.Apoptosis and morphologic alterations at different time points after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion were detected by using TUNEL and Nissl staining.RESULTS:The threshold voltage of CA1 region in evoking population spike increased markedly as compared with sham control. The enhancement of wave amplitude was reduced significantly after tetanic stimulation. The duration of enhancement in amplitude decreased with the passage of reperfusion. Above all were observed from 8 h after ischemia/reperfusion. They became remarkable and got to its top at 7 day after ischemia/reperfusion treatment. TUNEL positive cells were observed in hippocampal CA1 region at 8 h, got to the top at 24 h and then gradually reduced after ischemia/reperfusion. A lot of abnormal cells in CA1 region was found, and the number of pyramidal cell reduced progressively by Nissl staining after ischemia/reperfusion. Chinese herbs 9602 reduced the threshold voltage of CA1 region in evoking population spike remarkably, enhanced the wave amplitude and prolonged the duration of PS enhancement; decreased the number of TUNEL positive cell, prevented the reduction of pyramidal cell in CA1 region. CONCLUSIONS:The excitability and reactivity were decreased and there was a gradual functional disturbance of synaptic transmission in CA1 pyramidal cell and most notable changes happened at 7 d ischemia/reperfusion, suggesting that was partly due to delayed neuronal death induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Apoptosis plays an important role in the functional deficiency of CA1 region of hippocampus induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. The effects of 9602 on ameliorating the excitability and reactivity of CA1 pyramidal cells relate to inhibiting apoptosis, attanuating delayed neuron death induced by ischemia/reperfusion.     

Effects of capsaicin on cognitive impairment and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

AIM:To observe the effects of capsaicin on cognitive impairment and mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) of hippocampal CA1 area in the rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), and to investigate the underlying molecule mechanism of cognitive defects induced by ischemia. METHODS:Healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats(n=48) were randomly divided into sham operation (sham) group,CCH model (CCH) group, capsaicin group,and solvent group, 12 rats in each group. Capsaicin at 2.5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected twice a week for 4 weeks, starting on the 7th day after surgery. The rats in solvent group were given the same amount of solvent at the same time and under the same conditions. Morris water maze, object recognition test and open field test were conducted to analyze the cognitive related behavior performance on the 4th week after surgery. The changes of MAMs in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed under transmission electron microscope, the co-localization of the MAMs was observed by immunofluorescence double-labeling, and the expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in the hippocampal tissue was determined by Western blot.RESULTS:Four weeks after the operation, the behavior tests showed that the cognitive function of CCH rats was impaired compared with sham operation group. Compared with solvent group, spatial learning and memory in capsaicin group was improved significantly. The results of transmission electron microscope and confocal microscope showed that the distance of MAMs in the hippocampal CA1 area of CCH rats was increased compared with sham operation group, and the co-localization of the contacts was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with solvent group, the correlation between the mitochondria and ER in capsaicin group was increased (P<0.05). The protein level of Mfn2 in CCH group was significantly lower than that in sham group (P<0.05). Compared with solvent group, the protein level of Mfn2 in capsaicin group was higher (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:CCH rats showed decreased cognitive function and loosen MAMs. Capsaicin improves the cognitive behavior of CCH rats by up-regulation of MAMs.     

Effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning on expression of Ngb and Bcl-2 in hippocampal CA1 region in rats with global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

AIM:To study the effect of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning (IHHP) on the expression of neuroglobin (Ngb) and Bcl-2 in hippocampal CA1 region in the rats with global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS:The Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham group, IHHP control group, global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group), and IHHP+I/R group. The 4-vessel occlusion rat model of Pulsinelli was performed in the rats in I/R group and IHHP+I/R group, in which the common carotid artery was occluded for 8 min before reperfusion. Thionine staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the histological changes of the hippcampus and the expression of Ngb and Bcl-2 in the hippocampal CA1 region. RESULTS:A significant increase in the quantity of surviving cells in the hippocampal CA1 region was observed in IHHP+I/R group as compared with I/R group. There was a significant increase in the expression of Ngb and Bcl-2 in the hippocampal CA1 region in IHHP+I/R group as compared with I/R group. CONCLUSION: Through the up-regulation of hippocampal Ngb and Bcl-2 expression, intermittent hypobaric hypoxia preconditioning may play a role in neuroprotection by reducing hippocampal neuronal apoptosis from ischemia-reperfusion.     

Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine intervention on perioperative neurocognitive disorders in aged mice

AIM To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in aged mice and its mechanism. METHODS The PND animal model was established by hepatic left lateral lobectomy in C57BL/6J aged mice, and the effects of intraoperative DEX intervention on postoperative cognitive behavior in aged mice were evaluated by Morris water maze and Y maze experiments. The effects of intraoperative DEX intervention on the changes of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region of aged mice were observed by Nissl staining and TUNEL staining. The effect of intraoperative DEX intervention on long-term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 region was recorded by patch-clamp technique. The effects of intraoperative DEX intervention on hippocampal astrocyte activation in aged mice were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The effects of intraoperative DEX intervention on the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cleaved caspase-3 in hippocampal CA1 region of aged mice were determined by Western blot. RESULTS Intraoperative DEX intervention attenuated postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice (P<0.01). Intraoperative DEX intervention significantly inhibited surgery-induced hippocampal neuron loss (P<0.01), reversed surgery-induced decrease in field excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude, and reduced surgery-induced increases in the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and cleaved caspase-3 in hippocampal CA1 region of aged mice (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Dexmedetomidine protects hippocampal neurons and improves postoperative cognitive function in aged mice by inhibiting hippocampal astrocyte activation and reducing neuronal inflammation and neuronal apoptosis.     

Effects of hyperglycemia on ionic homeostasis in hippocampal microenvironment and secondary neuronal injury after focal ischemia in cerebral cortex of tree shrews

AIM：To observe the effects of hyperglycemia on the ionic homeostasis in hippocampal microenvironment after thrombotic cortical ischemia in tree shrews, and to explore the action and mechanisms of hyperglycemia in secondary neuronal injury after ischemia. METHODS：High blood glucose in tree shrews was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. Focal thrombotic cortical ischemia was induced by photochemical method in tree shrews. At 4, 24 and 72 h after ischemia, the changes of pH, K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Cl- in the ipsilateral ischemic hippocampal microenvironment were tested by a single-pumped push-pull microdialysis system and an ion analyzer. The histopathological changes and hippocampal neuronal density were also examined. RESULTS：After cortical ischemia in tree shrews, the pH and the concentrations of Na+, Ca2+ and Cl- in the hippocampal microenvironment decreased, while the concentration of K+ increased. These differences were the most significant at 4 h, the second at 24 h and insignificant at 72 h. Combination of hyperglycemia and cerebral ischemia worsened the turbulence of ionic homeostasis. Compared with the normoglycemic ischemic animals, the changes of pH, K+ and Ca2+ concentrations at 4 h as well as pH and Na+ at 24 h in the hyperglycemic ischemic animals were more significant (P<0.05). The results of histopathological examination showed that there was ischemic neuronal damage in the exposed cerebral cortex and the ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 region at 4 h after photochemical reaction, and the damage was the most severe at 24 h, subsequently accompanied with glial proliferation at 72 h. The hyperglycemic ischemic animals suffered from greater neuronal injury in the cortex and hippocampus than the normoglycemic ischemic animals, especially at 24 h (P<0.01) and 72 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The disturbance of acid-base equilibrium and ionic homeostasis in hippocampal microenvironment, following the spreading of the microenvironment in ischemic core, may be an important reason for secondary neuronal injury in the hippocampus after thrombotic cortical ischemia in tree shrews. Hyperglycemia aggravates the turbulence of ischemic ionic microenvironment.     

Allicin inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

AIM: To explore the effect of allicin on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and its mechanisms. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to 15 min global cerebral ischemia followed by 72 h reperfusion. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to evaluate the rate of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and colorimetric method was used for the measurement of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in hippocampal tissue. RESULTS: Neuronal apoptotic rate, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde contents in hippocampal tissues of rats in I-R group were significantly higher than those in sham group. However, superoxide dismutase activity in hippocampal tissues of rats in I-R group was obviously lower than that in sham group. Allicin pretreatment inhibited the above changes in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Allicin hihibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by global ischemia-reperfusion insult through anti-oxidation. The anti-oxidation action of allicin may be one of the mechanisms of inhibitory effects on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.     

Effect of mild hypothermia on energy metabolism and hydroxyl radical production after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in gerbils

AIM: To study the effect of mild hypothermia on energy metabolism and hydroxyl radical production as well as delayed neuronal death (DND) in hippocampus during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in gerbils.METHODS: Forebrain ischemia was induced by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries with aneurysm clamps for 10 min in gerbils. The DND in hippocampal CA1 sector was assessed by histological examination, and hydroxyl radical, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), ADP (adenosine diphosphate),AMP (adenosine monophosphate) levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical or ultraviolet detection. RESULTS: The number of survival neuronal in hippocampal CA1 sector in mild hypothermia + I/R group was more than that in I/R group after ischemia/reperfusion 96 h. The content of 2,3-DHBA (2,3- dihydroxybenzoic acid) in hippocampus in I/R group was much higher than those in sham operation and mild hypothermia + I/R group after reperfusion 6 h (P＜0.01), but there were no significant differences in 2,3-DHBA outputs among 3 groups 48 h and 96 h after reperfusion. There were no obvious differences in ATP, ADP, AMP level in hippocampus among 3 groups 6 h after reperfusion. However, the content of ATP,ADP,AMP in mild hypothermia + I/R group was much higher than those in I/R group 48 and 96 h after reperfusion (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Mild hypothermia can reduced DND by improving the cerebral energy metabolism during forebrain ischemia/reperfusion in gerbils.     

Knockdown of Atg5 aggravates cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice

AIM: To study the role of autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice. METHODS: BALB/c male mice (weighing 18~22 g) were randomly divided into sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, Atg5 siRNA group and control siRNA group. Focal cerebral ischemia was performed using the method of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 min and reperfusion for 24 h. In siRNA group and control group, 5 μL Atg5 siRNA or scrambled siRNA was administered by intracerebroventricular injection 24 h before MCAO. The expression of Atg5 at mRNA and protein levels in ischemic cortex at 24 h after reperfusion was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The infarct volume and edema were evaluated by TTC staining, and motor deficits were evaluated by neurological scoring. RESULTS: The expression of Atg5 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased 24 h after reperfusion in I/R group compared with sham group. Atg5 siRNA obviously decreased the expression of Atg5 at mRNA and protein levels induced by I/R. Inhibition of Atg5 exacerbated the infarct volume and ameliorated the neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Atg5 has neuroprotective effect on focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury.     

Effect of limb ischemic postconditioning on brain focal ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice

AIM: To establish the mouse model in which the limbic ischemic postconditionning (LIPostC) enhances the tolerance against brain ischemia, and to investigate the effects of LIPostC on the ischemic extent and roles of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in ischemia and reperfusion injury. METHODS: The male Kunming mice were used in the study. The brain ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model was made by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In the first test, the male mice were randomly divided into 9 groups (n=10): sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) groups (with ischemia for 0.5 h, 1 h,1.5 h and 2 h) and LIPostC+I/R groups (0.5 h+LIPostC,1 h+LIPostC,1.5 h+LIPostC,2 h+LIPostC). The reperfusion was performed after LIPostC for 24 h. After the neurologic deficit scores were evaluated, the brains were taken out to measure the infarct volume with TTC staining and to observe the pathological changes of cerebral cortex with HE staining. The neuronal apoptosis was determined by TUNEL. In the second test, the male mice were randomized into 4 groups (n=6): sham group, I/R group, LIPostC+I/R group and LIPostC+I/R+quercetin group (2 h ischemia). The neurological deficit scores were evaluated at 24 h after operation. The expression of HSP70 was determined by Western blotting.RESULTS: The duration of brain ischemia was related to the motor behavior and degree of brain injury. The longer the ischemic duration of the brain was performed, the more severe the pathological and behavioral changes were observed. The brain injury in 2 h MCAO mice was more severe than that in 1 h and 1.5 h MCAO mice (P<0.05). Compared to I/R group, each LIPostC group showed lower neurological score, less infarct volume and TUNEL positive neuron. The expression of HSP70 protein was increased and neurological functions were improved significantly in the mice with LIPostC. However, the neuroprotective role of LIPostC was attenuated by treating with quercetin, an inhibitor of HSP70.CONCLUSION: LIPostC promotes the expression of HSP 70, improves the neurological functions and attenuates the ischemia and reperfusion injury in MCAO mice. HSP70 produces a marked effect on the ischemic tolerance induced by LIPostC in MCAO mice.     

Neuroprotective effect of astrocyte protein phosphatase 2A up-regulation on APP/PS1 double transgenic mice

AIM: To investigate the protective effects of astrocyte protein phosphatase 2A(PP2A) up-regulation on APP/PS1 double transgenic mice.METHODS: An eGFP-wtPP2A lentivirus with glial fiber acidic protein promoter was constructed to specifically increase PP2A expression in the astrocytes. The mice were divided into wild -type mice+vector virus group(Con), APP/PS1 transgenic mice+vector virus group(APP/PS1) and APP/PS1 transgenic mice+eGFP-wtPP2A lentivirus group(PP2A) by lateral ventricular injection of the lentivirus. Four weeks after injection of the virus, the immunofluorescence of brain slices were used to detect the level of β-amyloid protein(Aβ). Golgi staining was used to detect the changes of dendritic spine density and morphology. Electron microscopy was applied to detect the thickness of postsynaptic density(PSD). The Morris water maze test was applied to examine the learning and memory abilities of the mice.RESULTS: Up-regulation of PP2A in the astrocytes attenuated Aβ level increasing in APP/PS1 group. Up-regulation of PP2A in the astrocytes significantly attenuated both decreases in the dendritic spine density and the percentage of mushroom-like dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA3 region of APP/PS1 mice. Up-regulation of PP2A in the astrocytes significantly attenuated the reduced thickness of PSD in APP/PS1 group. Up-regulation of PP2A in the astrocytes attenuated the escape latency extending in APP/PS1 group.CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of PP2A in the astrocytes reduces AD-like pathological changes, and attenuates synaptic impairment, synaptic plasticity deficits and cognitive impairment in the APP/PS1 double transgenic mice.     

Neuroprotective effect of L-serine on rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion

AIM: To investigate the neuroprotective effect, therapeutic dosage and time window of L-serine against permanent cerebral injury in rats. METHODS: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) was induced in the rats to determine the efficacy of L-serine (ip) by neurological evaluation, TTC staining and Nissl staining.L-serine was used at different doses (56 mg/kg, 168 mg/kg and 504 mg/kg) and for different time periods (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after pMCAO). Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), an inhibitor of serine racemase, was used to alter the efficacy of L-serine. Laser Doppler perfusion monitor was used to observe the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the ischemic cerebral cortex under the condition with or without L-serine treatment. RESULTS: Treatment with L-serine at doses of 168 mg/kg and 504 mg/kg at time point of 3 h after pMCAO greatly decreased the neurological deficit score and infarct volume,and attenuated the loss of hippocampal CA1 neuronal cells. In the observation of therapeutic time window, L-serine displayed a significant neuroprotective effect if used within 6 h after pMCAO, but did not exert any notable effect if used over 12 h after pMCAO. AOAA hardly changed the effect of L-serine. L-serine treatment notably raised rCBF in the area of ischemic cerebral cortex when it was injected 30 min after pMCAO. However, strychnine, an antagonist of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, did not alter this effect of L-serine. CONCLUSION: L-serine has neuroprotective effect on permanent ischemic brain injury in rats if administered early and sufficiently by augmentation of rCBF in the ischemic cerebral cortex.     

Effects of maternal limb ischemic preconditioning on structural and functional changes of mitochondria in fetal hippocampal neurons induced by intrauterine distress-reoxygenation in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of maternal limb ischemic preconditioning (LIP) on the mitochondrial structures and functions of the hippocampal neurons induced by reoxygenation in the intrauterine distress fetal rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats (n=40) were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham (S) group, LIP group, fetal distress (FD) group and LIP+FD group. Intrauterine ischemia model was established through the experimental design. The ultrastructure of the mitochondria in CA1 area of the hippocampus was observed. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. The content of ATP and MDA in the hippocampus tissue was detected. The activity of Mn-SOD was observed. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the ultrastructure of mitochondria in CA1 area of the hippocampus was damaged in FD group and LIP+FD group. The mitochondrial membrane potential, the content of ATP and the activity of Mn-SOD were decreased. However, the content of ROS and MDA was increased. Compared with FD group, the ultrastructure of mitochondria in CA1 area of the hippocampus was intact in LIP+FD group. Furthermore, the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content were inhibited. The activity of Mn-SOD was increased, but the content of ROS and MDA was decreased in LIP+FD group. CONCLUSION: Limb ischemia preconditioning inhibits the damage the mitochondria of fetal hippocampal neurons induced by reoxygenation in the intrauterine distress fetal rats.     

Changes of hippocampal neuron microenvironment and contents of amino acid after focal cortical brain ischemia in tree shrews

AIM: To study the changes of hippocampal neuronal microenvironment and alterations of excitatory amino (EAA) and inhibitory amino acid (IAA) in extracellular fluid (ECF) in different time after thrombotic cerebral ischemia in tree shrews. METHODS: The model of focal thrombotic cerebral ischemia was induced by photochemistry-technology in tree shrews. Hippocampal ECF was collected by microperfusion. pH, PCO2, PO2 and HCO3- were analyzed by blood gas analyzer, and Asp, Glu, Gly and GABA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-PITC technology after occlusion. RESULTS: The contents of Asp, Glu, Gly and GABA in hippocampal ECF increased, and pH, PO2 and HCO3- decreased after photochemical induced cerebral ischemia in tree shrews. There were significant differences between ishemic group and sham group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Equilibration disturbance of amino acids is either the result of ischemia, or the reason of secondary neurons damage after photochemistry-induced focal cerebral ischemia in tree shrews. Changes of amino acid metabolism are related to alteration of hippocampal cellular microenvironment.     

Effects of bFGF on neuronal apoptosis and fractalkine expression in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats

AIM: To study the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on neuronal apoptosis and fractalkine expression in ischemic penumbra after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham operation group, ischemia/reperfusion group and bFGF group. The model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established by the method of intraluminal filament blockage. The middle cerebral arteries were blocked for 1 h and then reperfused for 24 h. Neurological performances of all rats were scored with Bederson's standard. The brain tissues of the rats were stained and the average infarct volume was calculated. TUNEL method was used to determine the number of apoptotic neurons, and the expression of fractalkine was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: The score of neurological performances in bFGF group was 2.23±0.59, lower than that in ischemia/reperfusion group (3.18±0.65). The number of apoptotic neurons in bFGF group (13.22±1.35) was lower than that in ischemia/reperfusion group (17.28±1.01, P<0.05), which was the lowest in sham operation group (0.91±0.65). Compared with sham operation group, the expression of fractalkine in ischemia/reperfusion group was decreased. The expression of fractalkine in bFGF group was mainly higher than that in ischemia/reperfusion group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of fractalkine may be one of the molecular mechanisms of bFGF to protect neurons against ischemia/reperfusion injury.     

Ischemic preconditioning relieves the ischemia/reperfusion injury of neurons in hippocampus by inhibiting the expression of p53

AIM: To examine whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can protect against apoptosis in CA1 subfield of hippocampus following reperfusion of a lethal ischemia in rats and explore the role of IPC by inhibiting the expression of p53 in this process. METHODS: Wistar rats were used in the experiment. A global ischemia/reperfusion model was induced by 4-vessel occlusion. The rats were divided into the following three groups randomly: (1) ischemic preconditioning group (IPC group); (2) ischemia/reperfusion group (IR group); (3) control group. The histopathological changes, the percentage of apoptosis and the expression of p53 gene in CA1 region of rat hippocampus were examined by HE staining, FCM, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry techniques. RESULTS: The neuronal density of CA1 region in IPC group ［(217±9)/0.72 mm²］ was significantly higher than that in IR group ［(29±5)/0.72 mm², P<0.01］. The percentage of apoptotic neurons in IPC group (2.07%±0.21%) was lower than that in IR group (4.26%±0.08%), P<0.01. Compared with IR group, the expression of p53 gene in IPC group was significantly weakened. CONCLUSION: Ischemic preconditioning protects the ischemic neurons in CA1 region of rat hippocampus by inhibiting the expression of p53 gene.     

Effects of ginsenoside Rg1 of Panax notoginseng on brain tissue injury and Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice

AIM:To observe the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 of Panax notoginseng on brain tissue injury after mouse cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R), and to explore the mechanisms involving nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signal pathway. METHODS:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham group, cerebral I/R group, ginsenoside Rg1+cerebral I/R group and edaravone+cerebral I/R group. Ginsenoside Rg1 was successively administered for 3 d. One hour after final administration, bilateral common carotid arteries were ligated to induce brain tissue injury for 20 min, and then reperfusion for 24 h. Edaravone, a drug for anti-oxidative stress injury in the treatment of ischemic cerebro-vascular disease, was used as a positive control. The brain tissues were obtained to determine the neural cellular pathology in hippocampal CA1 region. The mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was detected by RT-PCR. The protein levels of Nrf2 in the nucleus and cytoplasm and HO-1 in the whole cells in the brain tissues were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS:After ischemia/reperfusion for 24 h, the pathological injury in the neural cells was obvious, and the cell survival rate decreased. Ginsenoside Rg1 and edaravone attenuated the neural cell injury, and significantly increased the cell survival rate. After ischemia/reperfusion for 24 h, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 significantly increased in the brain tissues. The protein levels of Nrf2 in the nucleus and cytoplasm in the brain tissues were increased, the nuclear translocaition rate and the protein expression of HO-1 also increased. Ginsenoside Rg1 and edaravone both decreased the protein levels of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm of the brain tissues, increased that in the nucleus, and also increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation rate and the protein expression of HO-1. The effect of edaravone was higher than that of ginsenoside Rg1, but they had no significant effect on the mRNA expression of Nrf2 in the brain tissues. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rg1 has the effect of anti-brain tissue injury on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. The mechanisms may be related to activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway, promoting Nrf2 synthesis and nuclear translocation, thus promoting the expression of downstream antioxidant protein HO-1.