Erythropoietin markedly attenuates brain infarct size and improves neurological function in the rat

Yuen Chun-Man, Leu Steve, Lee Fan-Yen, Yen Chia-Hung, Lin Yu-Chun, Chua Sarah, Chung Sheng-Ying, Chai Han-Tan, Sheu Jiunn-Jye, Ko Sheung-Fat, Sun Cheuk-Kwan, Yip Hon-Kan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The impact of epoetin beta (recombinant human erythropoietin) on brain infarction area (BIA) and neurological status in a rat model of acute ischemic stroke (IS) induced by distal left internal carotid artery occlusion was investigated. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were categorized into group 2 (IS only) and group 3 (IS plus intraperitoneal erythropoietin 5000 IU/kg at 0, 12, and 24 hours after IS). Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10) served as group 1. Results: Analysis of brain tissues showed larger BIA in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.001). Corner test identified highest frequency of left turn in group 2 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of Bax, caspase 3, interleukin 18, toll-like receptor 4, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were highest, whereas Bcl-2 was lowest in group 2 (P < 0.05). Lower CXCR4 and stromal cell-derived factor 1 expressions were noted in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.01). Immunohistofluorescence staining showed lower expressions of CXCR4, stromal cell-derived factor 1, von Willebrand factor, and doublecortin with higher number of apoptotic nuclei in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated lower cellular proliferation and number of small vessels with higher glial fibrillary acid protein expression in group 2 than in group 3 (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Erythropoietin significantly limited BIA and improved sensorimotor dysfunction after acute IS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)893-904
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine
Volume58
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acute ischemic stroke
  • EPO treatment

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