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Biomedical subjects

R Busto

Publications and source records attributed to R Busto.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Antagonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin analog RC-160 inhibit the growth of the OV-1063 human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line xenografted into nude mice.

The effects of antagonists of GHRH and the somatostatin analog RC-160 on the growth of OV-1063 human epithelial ovarian cancer cells xenografted into nude mice were investigated. Treatment with 20 microg/day of the GHRH antagonist JV-1-36 or MZ-5-156 and 60 microg/day of the somatostatin analog RC-160 for 25 days decreased tumor volume by 70.9% (P < 0.01), 58.3% (P < 0.05), and 60.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, vs. the control value. The levels of GH in serum were decreased in all of the treated groups, but only RC-160 significantly reduced serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for IGF-I and -II and for their receptors in OV-1063 tumors were investigated by multiplex RT-PCR. No expression of mRNA for IGF-I was detected, but treatment with JV-1-136 caused a 51.8% decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of mRNA for IGF-II in tumors. Exposure of OV-1063 cells cultured in vitro to GHRH, IGF-I, or IGF-II significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated cell growth, but 10(-5) mol/L JV-1-36 nearly completely inhibited (P < 0.001) OV-1063 cell proliferation. OV-1063 tumors expressed mRNA for GHRH receptors and showed the presence of binding sites for GHRH. Our results indicate that antagonistic analogs of GHRH and the somatostatin analog RC-160 inhibit the growth of epithelial ovarian cancers. The effects of RC-160 seem to be exerted more on the pituitary GH-hepatic IGF-I axis, whereas GHRH antagonists appear to reduce IGF-II production and interfere with the autocrine regulatory pathway. The antitumorigenic action of GHRH antagonists appears to be mediated by GHRH receptors found in OV-1063 tumors.

Animals↗

Diminution of metabolism/blood flow uncoupling following traumatic brain injury in rats in response to high-dose human albumin treatment.

OBJECT: The authors have recently demonstrated that high-dose human albumin is markedly neuroprotective in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral ischemia. The pathophysiology of TBI involves acute uncoupling of cerebral glucose utilization and blood flow. The intent of this study was to establish whether the use of human albumin therapy in a model of acute TBI would influence this phenomenon. METHODS: Anesthetized, physiologically regulated rats received moderate (1.5-2 atm) fluid-percussion injury to the parietal lobe. Fifteen minutes after trauma or sham injury, rats in one group received human albumin (2.5 g/kg) administered intravenously and those in another group received 0.9% saline vehicle. At 60 minutes and 24 hours posttrauma, autoradiographic studies of local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglu) were conducted, and the LCMRglu/LCBF ratio was determined. Sham-injured rats had normal levels of LCBF and LCMRglu, and no differences between vehicle- and albumin-treated rats were evident. Sixty minutes after TBI, LCBF was moderately reduced bilaterally in vehicle-treated rats, whereas in albumin-treated animals, the LCBF contralateral to the side of injury was generally normal. Despite acutely depressed LCBF, LCMRglu in vehicle-treated rats at 60 minutes was paradoxically normal bilaterally, and foci of elevated LCMRglu were noted in the ipsilateral hippocampus and thalamus. By contrast, in albumin-treated rats studied 60 minutes post-TBI, reduced LCMRglu values were measured in the ipsilateral caudoputamen and parietal cortex, whereas LCMRglu in other ipsilateral and contralateral sites did not differ from that measured in sham-injured animals. The metabolism/blood flow ratio was normal in sham-injured rats, but became markedly elevated in vehicle-treated rats 60 minutes post-TBI (on average, by threefold ipsilaterally and 2.1-fold contralaterally). By contrast, the mean metabolism/blood flow ratio in albumin-treated animals was elevated by only 1.6-fold ipsilaterally and was normal contralaterally. Twenty-four hours after TBI, LCBF contralateral to the side of injury had generally returned to normal levels in the albumin-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that human albumin therapy benefits the posttraumatic brain by diminishing the pronounced metabolism > blood flow dissociation that would otherwise occur within the 1st hour after injury. Viewed together with our previous evidence of histological neuroprotection, these findings indicate that human albumin therapy may represent a desirable treatment modality for acute TBI.

Acute Disease↗

Multiple regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity by G-protein coupled receptors in human foetal lung fibroblasts.

The pharmacological profile of adenylyl cyclase activity was analysed in WI-38 human foetal lung fibroblasts. Among various agents that act through G-protein coupled receptors, only the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol stimulated and the tetradecapeptide somatostatin (SRIF, sst) inhibited the enzyme activity. The use of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology with appropriate cDNAs allowed us to identify the expression of four subtypes of SRIF transmembrane receptors (sst1-4 but not sst5 receptors) in this cell line. By RT-PCR and immunochemistry techniques, we also demonstrated the expression of stimulatory (alpha(s)) and inhibitory (alpha(i1), alpha(i2) and alpha(i3)) G-protein subunits. The known role of the adenylyl cyclase system in cell proliferation and differentiation mechanisms together with the present analysis of the corresponding regulatory network in fibroblasts of human foetal lung add knowledge on the cell line WI-38 that is widely used as a model system in studying cell growth. The importance of this cell class in normal and abnormal lung function and development reinforces the significance of these results.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Differential changes of bax, caspase-3 and p21 mRNA expression after transient focal brain ischemia in the rat.

Recent studies of transient focal ischemia have focused interest on apoptotic mechanisms of neuronal cell death involving constitutive pro-apoptotic proteins. The finding of specific patterns of novel gene expression might indicate the activation of pro-apoptotic genes in previously ischemic areas. Thus, we investigated gene expression for the pro-apoptotic regulators, Bax and caspase-3, after transient focal brain ischemia, together with the p53-regulated cell cycle inhibitor, p21/WAF1/CIP1. Reversible occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 2 h was carried out in halothane-anesthetized rats using the poly-L-lysine coated filament method. In situ hybridization was performed at 0, 1, 3, 6 h and 1, 3 and 7 d of recirculation and in sham controls. Radioactive antisense probes served for detection of bax, p21 and caspase-3 mRNAs on brain sections, and quantitative film autoradiography was combined with image-averaging techniques. Bax mRNA tended to decline after focal brain ischemia within 1 d. p21 mRNA was upregulated with a perifocal pattern at 3 h and 1 d after ischemia whereas the ischemic regions themselves failed to show significant upregulation. Caspase-3 mRNA was elevated in the resistant dorsomedial cortex at 1 d. A pro-apoptotic pattern of novel gene expression, involving Bax and caspase-3, was not observed after transient focal brain ischemia. Rather, the perifocal expression of p21 and caspase-3 mRNAs observed at 1 d after ischemia points to reactive changes in resistant brain areas.

Analysis of Variance↗

MRZ 2/579, a novel uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, reduces infarct volume and brain swelling and improves neurological deficit after focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of MRZ 2/579, an uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, on infarct size, extent of swelling and neurological deficit in a model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Physiologically controlled Sprague-Dawley rats received 2 h MCAo by retrograde insertion of an intraluminal suture coated with poly-L-lysine. The agent (MRZ 2/579) or vehicle (sodium chloride 0.9%) was administered i.v. immediately after suture removal following a 2-h period of MCAo. Two experimental groups were studied: group A was treated by vehicle (bolus infusion:1 ml/kg for 10 min followed by infusion of 6 ml/kg/h over 6 h). Group B was treated by MRZ 2/579 (bolus infusion:10 mg/kg for 10 min followed by infusion of 6 mg/kg/h over 6 h). The neurological status was evaluated during occlusion (at 60 min) and daily for 3 days after MCAo. Brains were then perfusion-fixed, and infarct volumes and brain swelling were determined. MRZ 2/579 significantly improved the neurological score compared to vehicle-treated rats at 48 h (6.2+/-0.6 and 8.7+/-0.5, respectively; P<0.004) and 72 h after MCAo (5.2+/-0.6 and 8.4+/-0.5, respectively; P<0.001). Treatment with MRZ 2/579 also significantly reduced total infarct volume (29.3+/-11.1 and 83.2+/-16.5 mm(3), respectively; P<0. 01), cortical infarct volume (24.8+/-11.2 and 70.0+/-18.0 mm(3), respectively; P<0.04) and subcortical infarction (21.2+/-4.1 and 49. 6+/-4.5 mm(3), respectively; P<0.0002). Brain swelling was also markedly reduced compared with vehicle-treated rats (4.7+/-1.3 and 10.8+/-2.1%, respectively; P<0.02). These results demonstrate that treatment with MRZ 2/579, when administered promptly after reperfusion, confers neuroprotective effects on infarct volume, brain swelling, and neurological score compared to the vehicle group.

Animals↗

Neuroprotection by LY341122, a novel inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, against focal ischemic brain damage in rats.

LY341122 (2-(3, 5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(2-(4-methylethylaminomethyl-ph enylox y)ethyl)oxazole) is a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation which has been shown to protect against global ischemia and traumatic brain injury in rats. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of LY341122 on ischemic injury in a highly reproducible model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with halothane and subjected to 120 min of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion by retrograde insertion of an intraluminal nylon suture coated with poly-L-lysine. The drug (LY341122, n=19) or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), n=10) was administered i.v. (as a 5 or 10 mg/kg bolus followed by a 5 or 10 mg/kg/h infusion for 20 h, respectively, starting 1 or 2 h after the onset of middle cerebral artery occlusion). Neurological status was evaluated during middle cerebral artery occlusion (60 min) and daily for 3 days thereafter. Three days after ischemia, brains were perfusion-fixed and infarct volumes and brain edema were determined. LY341122 significantly improved the neurological score compared to vehicle at 24, 48 and 72 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Treatment with LY341122 significantly reduced total infarct volume in all treated groups compared to vehicle rats. Cortical infarct volume was significantly reduced by LY341122 treatment in the 10 mg/kg (1 h) and LY341122 10 mg/kg (2 h) groups compared to vehicle rats (14.7+/-9.5 vs. 106.8+/-20.9 mm(3), and 36.9+/-20.1 vs. 106. 8+/-20.9 mm(3), respectively (mean+/-S.E.M.)). Striatal infarct volume was also significantly reduced by treatment with LY341122 in the 10 mg/kg (1 h) group compared to vehicle (23.7+/-3.4 vs. 68. 2+/-6.7 mm(3)). These results demonstrate the neuroprotective efficacy of LY341122 in focal cerebral ischemia.

Animals↗

Hyperglycemia triggers massive neutrophil deposition in brain following transient ischemia in rats.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunohistochemistry was used to ascertain the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in hyperglycemia-induced accentuation of brain injury after transient ischemia. Rats received 12.5 min of normothermic global cerebral ischemia by bilateral carotid occlusion plus hypotension. Hyperglycemia was induced before ischemia by intraperitoneal dextrose administration. Quantitative MPO immunohistochemistry was performed at 24 h and 3 days postischemia. Brains of normoglycemic-ischemic animals contained almost no MPO activity. By contrast, striking numbers of MPO-positive cells were present in brains studied 24 h after hyperglycemic ischemia, both within pial and parenchymal vessels and within the parenchyma. MPO deposition tended to subside at 3 days. These results indicate that hyperglycemia triggers the early, massive deposition of neutrophils in the postischemic brain--an event that may contribute to exacerbation of injury.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical localization and distribution of VIP/PACAP receptors in human lung.

VIP and PACAP are distributed in nerve fibers throughout the respiratory tract acting as potent bronchodilators and secretory agents. By using RT-PCR and immunoblotting techniques, we have previously shown the expression of common VIP/PACAP (VPAC(1) and VPAC(2)) and specific PACAP (PAC(1)) receptors in human lung. Here we extend our aims to investigate by immunohistochemistry their localization and distribution at this level. A clear immunopositive reaction was obtained in human lung sections by using either anti-VPAC(1) or -VPAC(2) receptor antibodies but not with anti-PAC(1) receptor antibody. However, PAC(1) receptor (and VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors) could be identified in lung membranes by immunoblotting which supports that the PAC(1) receptor is expressed at a low density. Both VPAC(1) and VPAC(2) receptors showed similar immunohistochemical patterns appearing in smooth muscle cells in the wall of blood vessels and in white blood cells (mainly in areas with inflammatory responses). The results agree with previous evidence on the importance of both peptides in the immune system and support their anti-inflammatory and protective roles in lung.

Adult↗

Thromboembolic events lead to cortical spreading depression and expression of c-fos, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and heat shock protein 70 mRNA in rats.

The hypotheses that cerebral embolic events lead to repetitive episodes of cortical spreading depression (CSD) and that these propagating waves trigger the expression of c-fos, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA were tested. Wistar rats underwent photochemically induced right common carotid artery thrombosis (CCAT) (n = 18) or sham (n = 8) procedures. In a subgroup of rats (n = 5), laser-Doppler flowmetry probes were placed overlying the right parietal cortex to record CSD-like changes in cortical blood flow during the initial 2-hour postinjury period. Rats were killed by decapitation at 2 or 24 hours after CCAT, and brains were processed for in situ localization of the gene expression. Two to five intermittent transient hyperemic episodes lasting 1 to 2 minutes were recorded ipsilaterally after CCAT. At 2 hours after CCAT, the widespread expression of c-fos and BDNF mRNAs was observed throughout the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. Pretreatment with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blocker MK-801 (2 mg/kg) 1 hour before CCAT reduced the expression of BDNF mRNA expression at 2 hours. At 24 hours after CCAT, increased expression of GFAP mRNA was present in cortical and subcortical regions. In contrast, multifocal regions of HSP70 expression scattered throughout the thrombosed hemisphere were apparent at both 2 and 24 hours after injury. These data indicate that thromboembolic events lead to episodes of CSD and time-dependent alterations in gene expression. The ability of embolic processes to induce widespread molecular responses in neurons and glia may be important in the pathogenesis of transient ischemic attacks and may influence the susceptibility of the postembolic brain to subsequent insults including stroke.

Animals↗

Chronic metabolic sequelae of traumatic brain injury: prolonged suppression of somatosensory activation.

Injuries to the brain acutely disrupt normal metabolic function and may deactivate functional circuits. It is unknown whether these metabolic abnormalities improve over time. We used 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) autoradiographic image-averaging to assess local cerebral glucose utilization (lCMR(Glc)) of the rat brain 2 mo after moderate (1.7-2.1 atm) fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury (FPI). Four animal groups (n = 5 each) were studied: sham-injured rats with and without stimulation of the vibrissae-barrel field ipsilateral to injury; and animals with prior FPI, with or without this stimulation. In sham-injured rats, resting lCMR(Glc) was normal, and vibrissae stimulation produced right-sided metabolic activation of the ventrolateral thalamic and somatosensory-cortical projection areas. In rats with prior injury, lCMR(Glc) contralateral to injury was normal, but lCMR(Glc) of the ipsilateral forebrain was depressed by approximately 38-45% compared with shams. Whisker stimulation in rats with prior trauma failed to induce metabolic activation of either cortex or thalamus. Image-mapping of histological material obtained in the same injury model was undertaken to assess the possible influence of injury-induced regional brain atrophy on computed lCMR(Glc); an effect was found only in the lateral cortex at the trauma epicenter. Our results show that, 2 mo after trauma, resting cerebral metabolic perturbations persist, and the whisker-barrel somatosensory circuit shows no signs of functional recovery.

Animals↗

Identification of functional somatostatin receptors and G-proteins in a new line of human foetal lung fibroblasts.

A new line (FP) of human foetal lung fibroblasts was analysed for the expression of functional, G-protein coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR). By means of RT-PCR, we identified the expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR4, but not SSTR5, subtypes. The same technical approach evidenced the expression of stimulatory (alphas) and inhibitory (alphai1, alphai2 and alphai3) G-protein subunits. The functionality of SSTR was established from the observation of a dose-dependent inhibitory role of SST upon isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, an effect that involves G-protein action. Moreover, the functionality of G-proteins was assessed by means of experiments with forskolin and a nonhydrolysable GTP analogue that showed either Gi or Gs activation in the regulation of adenylyl cyclase. Present results represent a first pharmacological characterization of this new line of human foetal lung fibroblasts. The selective presence of some SSTR subtypes and G-protein subunits in addition to the regulatory network of the adenylyl cyclase pathway are features of recognized involvement in cell growth mechanisms. It is of interest for a cell class widely used to study this topic but also important in lung physiology and pathophysiology.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Comparative neuroprotective efficacy of prolonged moderate intraischemic and postischemic hypothermia in focal cerebral ischemia.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of prolonged hypothermia on ischemic injury in a highly reproducible model of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with halothane and subjected to 120 minutes of temporary MCA occlusion by retrograde insertion of an intraluminal nylon suture coated with poly-L-lysine through the external carotid artery into the internal carotid artery and the MCA. Two levels of prolonged postischemic cranial hypothermia (32 degrees C and 27 degrees C) and one level of intraischemic cranial hypothermia (32 degrees C) were compared with the ischemic normothermia (37 degrees C) condition. Target cranial temperatures were maintained for 3 hours and then gradually restored to 35 degrees C over an additional 2-hour period. The animals were evaluated using a quantitative neurobehavioral battery of tests before inducing MCA occlusion, during occlusion (at 60 minutes postonset in all rats except those in the intraischemic hypothermia group), and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after reperfusion. The rat brains were perfusion fixed at 72 hours after ischemia, and infarct volumes and brain edema were determined. Both intraischemic and postischemic cooling to 32 degrees C led to similar significant reductions in cortical infarct volume (by 89% and 88%, respectively) and total infarct volume (by 54% and 69%, respectively), whereas postischemic cooling to 27 degrees C produced lesser reductions (64% and 49%, respectively), which were not statistically significant. All three hypothermic regimens significantly lessened hemispheric swelling and improved the neurological score at 24 hours. The authors' data confirm that a high degree of histological neuroprotection is conferred by postischemic cooling to 32 degrees C, which is virtually equivalent to that observed with intraischemic cooling to the same level. CONCLUSIONS: These results may be relevant to the design of future clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia for acute ischemic stroke.

Animals↗

Effects of combined postischemic hypothermia and delayed N-tert-butyl-alpha-pheylnitrone (PBN) administration on histopathologicaland behavioral deficits associated with transient global ischemia in rats.

Previous cerebral ischemia studies have reported the limitations of restricted periods of postischemic hypothermia in producing long-term neuroprotection. The present experiment attempts to determine whether delayed treatment with the free radical scavenger N-tert-butyl-a-phenylnitrone (PBN) is protective at 2 months following transient global forebrain ischemia, and whether additive effects can be observed when PBN is administered in combination with moderate hypothermia. For this aim rats were subjected to 10 min of two-vessel forebrain ischemia followed by (a) 3 h of postischemic normothermia (37 degrees C); (b) 3 h of postischemic hypothermia (30 degrees C); (c) normothermic procedures combined with delayed injections of PBN (100 mg/kg) on days 3, 5 and 7 post-insult; (d) postischemic hypothermia combined with delayed PBN treatment; or (e) sham procedures. Outcome measures included cognitive behavioral testing and quantitative histopathological analysis at 2 months. Postischemic PBN injections induced a systemic hypothermia (1.5 degrees C-2.0 degrees C) that lasted for 2-2.5 h. Water maze testing revealed significant performance deficits relative to shams in the normothermic ischemic group, with the postischemic hypothermia and PBN groups showing intermediate values. A significant attenuation of cognitive deficits was observed in the animal group receiving the combination postischemic hypothermia and delayed PBN treatment. Quantitative CA1 hippocampal cell counts indicated that each of the ischemia groups exhibited significantly fewer viable CA1 neurons compared to sham controls. However, in rats receiving either delayed PBN treatment or 3 h of postischemic hypothermia, significant sparing of CA1 neurons relative to the normothermic ischemia group was observed. These data indicate that hypothermia combined with PBN treatment provides long-term cognitive improvement compared to nontreatment groups. PBN-induced mild hypothermia could contribute to the neuroprotective effects of this pharmacological strategy.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective effect of high-dose albumin therapy against global ischemic brain injury in rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with high-dose human serum albumin (HSA) would offer protection in a model of high-grade transient forebrain ischemia. Twenty-six fasted Wistar rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and severe hypotension (50 mmHg) for 10 min. The agent (25% HSA) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered i.v. 5 min after termination of ischemia. HSA-treated rats showed significantly improved neurological deficits throughout a 7-day survival period. Histologically, HSA-treated rats showed 2.4- to 5.3-fold increases in numbers of surviving CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons compared to saline-treated animals. These results document that high-dose albumin therapy instituted 5 min after global ischemia significantly improves neurological score and reduces histological damage.

Albumins↗

Middle cerebral artery occlusion in the mouse by intraluminal suture coated with poly-L-lysine: neurological and histological validation.

The present study was conducted to validate a modified method of temporary focal cerebral ischemia in the mouse; neurobehavioral function and histopathological infarction were quantitated following various periods of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Male C57BL/6 mice were anesthetized with 3% halothane in a mixture of 30%O2/70%N2O delivered by face mask and were subjected to 30- to 180-min of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) by an intraluminal suture coated with poly-l-lysine. Twenty-eight of 40 mice showed an initial high-grade neurological deficit (30-min MCAo, n=7; 60-min, n=8; 120-min, n=8; 180-min, n=5) when examined during MCAo; these were used for subsequent study. One day after MCAo, behavioral function was re-evaluated, and brains were perfusion-fixed and infarct volumes were measured. The initial neurological deficit improved at 24 h in mice with 30- or 60-min of prior MCAo but tended to persist in mice with 120- or 180-min insults. Following each duration of ischemia, mice exhibited ipsilateral infarcts. Small, inconsistent predominantly subcortical infarcts were present after 30-min MCAo, while longer occlusion periods gave rise to consistent foci of subcortical infarction involving striatum, septum, thalamus, and hippocampus, as well as areas of frontoparietal cortical infarction. The major advantages of the improved intraluminal MCAo model reported here, incorporating sutures coated with poly-l-lysine, include: a 100% incidence of infarction of predictable location and size in mice having an initial neurological deficit. Periods of 60- to 180-min MCA occlusion in this model yield sufficiently reproducible sequelae to permit the effects of various therapeutic agents on neurological outcome and size of infarction to be readily studied.

Animals↗

Protein extravasation and cellular uptake after high-dose human-albumin treatment of transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Treatment with human albumin administered intravenously in the immediate post-ischemic period following a 2-h period of transient focal cerebral ischemia leads to a reduction of cortical infarction in rat. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies to rat immunoglobulins (IgG), rat albumin and (exogenous) human albumin was used to study blood-brain barrier changes. The degree of IgG extravasation was not changed by human-albumin treatment. Diffuse signals and uptake into necrotic neurons was seen in cortex of saline animals. In animals treated with human albumin, cortical neurons with preserved structural features had taken up human albumin. Treatment with human albumin may provide direct neuronal protection.

Albumins↗

Postischemic hypothermia and IL-10 treatment provide long-lasting neuroprotection of CA1 hippocampus following transient global ischemia in rats.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that postischemic therapeutic interventions may delay rather than provide long-lasting neuroprotection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mild hypothermia (33-34 degrees C) combined with the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) would protect the CA1 hippocampus 2 months after ischemia. Rats were subjected to 12.5 min of normothermic (37 degrees C) forebrain ischemia by two-vessel occlusion followed immediately by: (a) 4 h of normothermic (37 degrees C) reperfusion (n = 5); (b) 4 h of postischemic hypothermia (33-34 degrees C) (n = 5); (c) 4 h of normothermia plus IL-10 (5 micrograms) treatment 30 min after ischemia and at 3 days (n = 5); or (d) 4 h of hypothermia plus IL-10 treatment (n = 5). Rats survived for 2 months and were perfusion fixed for quantitative histopathological assessment of CA1 hippocampus. Postischemic normothermia and hypothermia, as well as normothermia plus IL-10 treatment led to severe damage of the CA1 hippocampus. In contrast, the combined treatment of hypothermia with IL-10 treatment improved overall neuronal survival by 49% compared to normothermic ischemia (P < 0.01). These data emphasize the detrimental consequences of secondary inflammatory responses on ischemic neuronal damage after transient global ischemia. In postinjury settings where restricted durations of mild hypothermia can be induced, anti-inflammatory treatments, including IL-10, may promote chronic neuroprotection.

Animals↗