Repetitive transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils: delayed neuronal damage in the substantia nigra reticulata

During Repetitive Forebrain Ischemia, Post-ischemic Hypothermia Protects Neurons from Damage

In rodents damage from repetitive transient cerebral ischemia is more severe than that seen with a single ischemic insult of similar duration. Mild hypothermia has been shown to be very effective in protecting the brain during single ischemic insults. We tested the protective effects of hypothermia in repetitive ischemic insults. We used the gerbil model of repetitive ischemia (three minutes ischemia repeated at one hourly intervals three times) and histological evaluation was done using the silver staining technique. Our study reveals that a decrease in body and scalp temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius can significantly reduce neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex, CA1 region of the hippocampus and substantia nigra reticulata during repetitive ischemia. As the hypothermia was induced after the initial insult, we believe this offers an opportunity for intervention in the clinical settings.

Forebrain ischemia triggers GABAergic system degeneration in substantia nigra at chronic stages in rats

The long-term consequences of forebrain ischemia include delayed Parkinson's syndrome. This study revealed delayed neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra 8 weeks after 12.5 minutes of global ischemia in rat brain. Following neuronal loss of 30-40% in central and dorsolateral striatum at day 3, neuronal damage in the substantia nigra (SN) was assessed at 4-8 weeks using immunohistochemistry for glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and calretinin (CR). At day 56, the optical density of GAD67-, but not VGAT-, immunoreactivity in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR)-significantly decreased. CR-neurons concentrated in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC) were reduced by 27% from day 3 (n = 5) to day 56 (n = 7, ANOVA, p < .01). Movement coordination was impaired at day 56, as evaluated using beam-walking test (time-to-traverse 5.6 ± 1.2 sec versus 11.8 ± 5.4 sec; sham versus ischemia, p < .05, n = 5, and 7, resp.). Our results demonstrate delayed impairment of the GABAergic system components in SN and associated with movement deficits after global ischemia.

Design and biological evaluation of phenyl-substituted analogs of beta-phenylethylidenehydrazine

Beta-Phenylethylidenehydrazine (PEH) has been demonstrated previously to be an inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) and to cause a marked increase in rat brain levels of GABA, a major neurotransmitter. A group of PEH analogs, possessing a variety of substituents (Me, OMe, Cl, F, and CF3) at the 2-, 3-, and 4-positions of the phenyl ring, were synthesized for evaluation as inhibitors of GABA-T. The details of the synthesis and chemical characterization of the analogs are described. Preliminary in vitro screening for GABA-T inhibition showed that all the analogs possessed activity against this enzyme, although substitution of CF3 at the 2- and 4-positions caused reduced activity. One of the drugs, 4-fluoro-beta-phenylethylidenehydrazine, was investigated further ex vivo, where it was shown to inhibit GABA-T, elevate brain levels of GABA, and decrease levels of glutamine, similar to the profile observed previously for PEH.

Antiischemic effects of topiramate in a transient global forebrain ischemia model: a neurochemical, histological, and behavioral evaluation

The mechanisms of action of the anticonvulsant topiramate (TPM) are indicative of a potential benefit during cerebral ischemia. TPM was studied in a transient global forebrain ischemia (TGFI) model in gerbils in which 40 mg/kg was administered before or after TGFI. Control groups were administered 0.9% normal saline similarly. The evaluation consisted of neurochemical, histological, and functional analyses. The data obtained indicates that unlike the focal cerebral ischemia model, TPM is not neuroprotective in TGFI. The difference in effect, which may be due to the difference in species or the type of ischemia, points to the need for caution when extrapolating animal data from this drug to humans.

Neuroprotective effect of tiagabine in transient forebrain global ischemia: an in vivo microdialysis, behavioral, and histological study

The neuroprotective effect of tiagabine was investigated in global ischemia in gerbils. Two groups of the animals received 15 mg/kg of tiagabine 30 min before ischemia. In the first group, the temperature was controlled at 37 degrees C from time of injection to 1 h after ischemia. In the second group, the temperature was left uncontrolled to see the hypothermic effect of tiagabine. Microdialysis was performed in CA1 region of hippocampus in half of the animals in each group to assess the levels of glutamate and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA). Animal behavior was also tested in 28-day groups in a radial-arm maze. Histology was done 7 and 28 days after ischemia in CA1 region of hippocampus to assess early and delayed effect of drug. A significant suppression of glutamate was noted in both groups (P<0.01). Behavioral results showed that in the temperature-uncontrolled treatment group, animals significantly reduced their working memory errors as compared to the temperature-controlled treatment group. Histology revealed a significant neuroprotection (P<0.001) in the temperature-uncontrolled treatment group. In the temperature-controlled treatment group, however, neuroprotection was insignificant (P>0.05). A third group of animals received the same dose of tiagabine 3 h after ischemia. Temperature was not controlled in this group. The animals were sacrificed after 7 days so no behavior testing was carried out. Histology showed no neuroprotection in this group (P>0.05). These results show that tiagabine offers a significant neuroprotection in global ischemia in gerbils when given 30 min before ischemia but not when given 3 h after ischemia.

Trimetazidine as a potential neuroprotectant in transient global ischemia in gerbils: a behavioral and histological study

The effect of Trimetazidine (TMZ) as a potential neuroprotectant against stroke was studied in the gerbil model of transient forebrain global ischemia. Animals were subjected to a 5-min period of ischemia and assessed 4 and 21 days later. Gerbils were divided into two groups: in group one, gerbils were treated with TMZ at a dose of 25 mg/kg given by intraperitoneal injection prior to ischemia. In group two, gerbils were treated with TMZ at a dose of 25 mg/kg given intraperitoneally after ischemia. Saline-injected gerbils served as controls. Histological evaluation of neuronal damage was carried out using the silver staining technique in gerbils 4 and 21 days after the start of the experimental protocol. Behavioral functions were assessed in gerbils from the 14th to the 21st day after the start of the experimental protocol using the Morris water maze test. Results obtained from this study showed no significant difference between saline treated TMZ-treated gerbils when TMZ was administered after ischemia. When TMZ was administered prior to ischemia, there was a reduction in neuronal damage although it did not reach statistical significance and a statistically significant improvement in behavior. We conclude that TMZ shows signs of promise as a neuroprotective agent, and further studies should look at pre-treatment with different doses and different times.

The role of taurine in neuronal protection following transient global forebrain ischemia

Osmoregulation and post ischemic glutamate surge suppression (PIGSS) are important mechanisms in the neuroprotective properties of taurine. We studied the role of taurine in PIGSS following transient global forebrain ischemia (TGFI). A group of gerbils received a high dose of continuous intracerebral taurine during the peri-ischemic period. Beta-alanine was given similarly to a negative control group. The control group consisted of animals undergoing only TGFI. On the fourth day following commencement of drug administration, TGFI was induced. Concurrently, half the animals from each group receiving an agent had intracerebral microdialysis. All animals underwent histological assessment at day 7. The microdialysis and histological data was analyzed. Our results showed that taurine treatment did not cause PIGSS. The histological difference between the three groups was statistically insignificant. We conclude that intracerebral taurine in the dosage administered during peri-ischemic period, does not result in PIGSS or histologically evident neuroprotection.

GABA and glutamate levels in the substantia nigra reticulata following repetitive cerebral ischemia in gerbils

Repetitive cerebral ischemia produces more severe damage than a similar single duration insult. We have previously shown that, in gerbils, damage in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) is seen with repetitive insults rather than a single insult. We have also shown that there is a progressive decrease in the extracellular GABA in the striatum in the days preceding such damage, speculating that a loss of GABA may be in part responsible for this damage. This study evaluates the GABA levels in the SNr in animals exposed to repetitive ischemic insults. Each animal received a total of three ischemic insults of 3-min duration at hourly intervals. In vivo microdialysis was carried out to analyze the GABA and glutamate dialysate levels on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 following the ischemic insult. In the control and treated (ischemic) animals, there was a significant increase in the GABA levels with the introduction of nipecotic acid on Days 1, 3, 5, and 14. However, on Day 7 there was a significant attenuation in the GABA response to nipecotic acid in the treated animals in comparison to the controls. The glutamate levels in the treated animals were similar to the control animals on Days 1, 3, 5, and 7. However, on Day 14 the glutamate levels were significantly lower than on previous days. Our experiments for the first time measure extracellular glutamate and GABA responses in the SNr in animals exposed to repetitive ischemic insults. Our experiments show that there is a significant decrease in the GABA concentrations at a time when ischemic damage is developing in this region. This confirms our hypothesis that a decrease in GABA may be one factor contributing to neuronal damage during the period following repetitive ischemic insults. Further, the rebound increase in GABA levels on Day 14 with a concomitant fall in glutamate levels would indicate that reparative processes are still active in the 2 weeks following the insult.

Effects of clomethiazole on radial-arm maze performance following global forebrain ischemia in gerbils

The functional and neuroanatomical protective effects of clomethiazole (CMZ) were examined in an animal model of global forebrain ischemia. Gerbils underwent sham-surgery or were rendered ischemic by the application of aneurysm clips to both carotid arteries for 6 min. Three treatment groups received CMZ (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 150 mg/kg) 30 min before ischemia, and one group was given 150 mg/kg of CMZ 30 min after ischemia. Following recovery, the gerbils were tested in a radial-arm maze to assess memory functions. Histological evaluation was assessed blindly using a percentile scoring system. The results indicate that pre-ischemic treatment with 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of CMZ reduced brain damage and working memory errors significantly. Treatment dosage of 150 mg/kg of CMZ was the most effective in preventing neuronal damage in the hippocampus and eliminating the working memory deficit typically induced by ischemia.

Neuroprotective effects of the novel brain-penetrating pyrrolopyrimidine antioxidants U-101033E and U-104067F against post-ischemic degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons

A 10-min period of bilateral carotid occlusion (BCO)-induced forebrain ischemia in gerbils triggers a delayed retrograde degeneration of 35-40% of dopaminergic nigrostriatal (NS) neurons. The mechanism of the NS degeneration is believed to involve oxygen radical formation secondary to a postischemic increase in dopamine turnover (monoamine oxidase, MAO). If the oxygen radical increase is sufficiently severe, lipid peroxidative injury to the striatal NS terminals is followed by retrograde degeneration of the NS cell bodies. In the present study, we examined whether the novel brain-penetrating lipid antioxidant pyrrolopyrimidine, U-101033E, and its aromatized analog, U-104067F, could attenuate dopaminergic neurodegeneration in this model. Male Mongolian gerbils were dosed with U-101033E (1.5, 5, or 15 mg/kg, by mouth, twice daily) or U-104067F (5 or 15 mg/kg, by mouth, twice daily) for 27 days beginning on the day of the 10-min ischemic insult. Preservation of NS neurons was assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry at 28 days. In vehicle (40% hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin)-treated animals, there was a 42% loss of NS neurons. In contrast, gerbils that received 5 or 15 mg/kg U-101033E twice daily had only a 23% or 28% loss of NS neurons, respectively (P < 0.002 vs. vehicle). U-104067F showed little effect at sparing neurons at the 10 mg/kg dose, but did significantly attenuate neuronal loss to only 20% at the 30 mg/kg dose (P < 0.01 vs. vehicle). The results show that both the pyrrolopyrimidines (U-101033E and U-104067F) significantly attenuate the postischemic loss of NS dopaminergic neurons and further support the involvement of a dopamine metabolism-derived, oxygen radical-induced lipid peroxidative mechanism.

Neuroprotection with felbamate: a 7- and 28-day study in transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils

The use of glutamate antagonists and GABA agonists may protect neurons from the effects of transient ischemia. Felbamate is a new antiepileptic drug with glutamate antagonist and GABA agonist properties. We tested the efficacy of felbamate in a gerbil model of transient forebrain ischemia. Damage assessment was done with silver staining at 7 and 28 days after 5 min of bilateral carotid occlusion. Cerebral cortex, hippocampus (CA1 and CA4), thalamus and striatum were evaluated on a 4-point scoring system. The animals sacrificed at 28 days were also tested in a water-maze task to assess recovery of function. The initial dose of felbamate (300 mg/kg) was given 30 min before the ischemic insult in one set of animals and 30 min after the insult in another set of animals. There were 8 animals tested per group (total: 48 animals). There was significant neuronal protection with the use of felbamate, both before and after ischemia in all regions of the brain. Protection was seen in animals sacrificed at 7 and 28 days. Protection was moderate when felbamate was used before ischemia. It was highly significant when felbamate was given 30 min after the insult. Behavioral studies however did not show any difference in the felbamate treated animals versus the saline treated controls. The structural protection with felbamate was very significant when used in the post-ischemic period. This window for protection merits further evaluation in relation to the clinical setting of stroke.

The neuroprotective effects of gamma-vinyl GABA in transient global ischemia: a morphological study with early and delayed evaluations

Enhancing inhibitory mechanisms has been shown to improve neuronal survival after transient focal or global ischemia. In most studies, histological evaluations have been confined to the CA1 region of the hippocampus up to 7 days after an ischemic insult. We have previously shown that continuous intra-ventricular infusion of gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG) results in significant protection after cerebral ischemia. This present study was designed to assess histological and behavioral function at 7 and 28 days after a single 5 min ischemic episode in gerbils. One set of animals received the medication 30 min before the insult and the other set at 1 h after the insult. Evaluation at 7 days showed significant protection in most regions of the brain in both the pre- and post-ischemic treated animals in comparison to the controls. Delayed evaluation at 28 days showed significant protection only in the pre-ischemic treated animals. Behavioral testing with Morris water maze showed no differences in either pre- or post-ischemic treated animals when compared to saline-treated ischemic controls. Our study clearly demonstrates the usefulness of delayed evaluation in the assessment of 'true' neuronal protection. Pre-ischemic treated animals showed persistent and true neuronal protection, in contrast to a temporary protection as seen at 7 days in the post-ischemic treated animals. The lack of behavioral improvement in the pre- and post-ischemic treated animals suggests that morphological protection alone cannot be considered as the sole criterion for successful outcome.

Neuroprotective effects of lamotrigine in global ischemia in gerbils. A histological, in vivo microdialysis and behavioral study

A sudden surge in the release of glutamate is currently believed to be an important initiating step in neuronal damage due to an ischemic insult. In this experiment, we tested the efficacy of neuroprotection with lamotrigine, a novel antiepileptic drug that blocks voltage gated sodium channels and inhibits the ischemia-induced release of glutamate in the gerbil forebrain model of cerebral ischemia. The medication was administered 30 min before and 30 min after the insult in two groups of animals. Histological assessment of neuronal damage was evaluated at 7 and 28 days after the ischemic insult. Animals evaluated at 28 days also underwent behavioral testing. Microdialysis was used in the same model to study the response of ischemia-induced glutamate in saline treated controls versus animals treated with lamotrigine 20 min before the insult. There was highly significant neuronal protection in animals who were treated with lamotrigine either before or after the insult. Protection was seen both at 7 and 28 days after the insult. Behavioral testing also showed significantly better recovery in both sets of animals in comparison to the saline-treated group. Microdialysis confirmed a significant attenuation of the ischemia-induced glutamate surge when compared to the saline-treated animals. Our morphological, behavioral and microdialysis experiments show that lamotrigine offers significant neuroprotection from the effects of transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils. Neuroprotection with post-ischemic therapy probably depends on preserving the capacity of the sodium/calcium exchanger to reduce intracellular calcium concentrations or persistent 'toxicity' of glutamate in the reperfusion period on the already 'primed' injured neurons. These concepts need further study.

Clomethiazole protects the brain in transient forebrain ischemia when used up to 4 h after the insult

Brief periods of forebrain ischemia result in consistent damage in the hippocampus in gerbils. This damage can be attenuated by free radical scavengers, glutamate antagonists and GABA agonists. Most of the work with cerebral protection has been done with agents infused prior to the insult. In this experiment we tested clomethiazole, a GABA agonist, as a neuroprotective agent 1 and 4 h after a 5 min ischemic insult (bilateral carotid occlusion) in gerbils. Damage was assessed using silver staining techniques at 7 days after the insult. There were 10 animals in each group. Clomethiazole was given subcutaneously at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Compared to controls, there was significant protection in the CA1 (P < 0.01) and CA4 (P < 0.01) regions of the hippocampus at 1 and 4 h after the ischemic insult. GABAergic agents may play an important role in neuronal protection when used after ischemic insults.

Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates neuronal damage in gerbils with transient forebrain ischemia only when given before the insult

The underlying mechanisms leading to neuronal damage in cerebral ischemia are multifactoral. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of acetyl-L-carnitine, a medication that may enhance metabolic recovery after cerebral ischemia. The 5-minute transient forebrain ischemia model in gerbils was used. Acetyl-L-carnitine was given 30 minutes before the insult in one set of animals and 30 minutes after the insult in a second set of animals with histological evaluation at 7 days (Group A) and 28 days (Group B). Damage assessment was done using a 4-point damage score and Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Compared to the controls, there was significant protection in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and the striatum in animals treated with the medication before the insult in Group A and Group B. Post-ischemic therapy showed little evidence of neuronal protection in either group. Behavioral tests in the Group B animals showed no significant differences between the treated or the saline controls. Our study shows, that pre-ischemic treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine results in neuronal protection. This may have clinical significance in situations (such as bypass surgery) where treatment could be initiated prior to the insult.

Insulin elevates hippocampal GABA levels during ischemia. This is independent of its hypoglycemic effect

There are reports that insulin may protect neurons from the effects of ischemia. The mechanisms for this protection are not fully understood. We studied the extracellular levels of glutamate and GABA in insulin-treated animals exposed to transient forebrain ischemia under normoglycemic and hypoglycemic conditions. In vivo microdialysis technique was used to collect extracellular fluid from the CA1 region of the hippocampus. There was a significant increase in GABA levels in the two insulin-treated sub-groups compared with the controls. GABA levels were < 1 pmol/10 microliters in three 10 min collections prior to ischemia in all the groups. It increased from 11.1 +/- 3.5 pmol/10 microliters in the conrol group to 47 +/- 5 (P < 0.001) in the insulin-treated hypoglycemic group and up to 47.2 +/- 9.3+ (P < 0.005) in the insulin-treated normoglycemic group (two-way ANOVA with repeated measures). Ischemia resulted in an increase in the glutamate levels. The glutamate levels returned to baseline within 30 min of the insult. There were no significant differences in the glutamate levels in three groups. The increase in GABA concentrations in the extracellular space may result in the inhibition of CA1 pyramidal neurons. This may be a possible mechanism of neuronal protection in animals treated with insulin (with or without being hypoglycemic) during ischemia.

GABA concentrations in the striatum following repetitive cerebral ischemia

GABAergic neurons in the striatum are very sensitive to the effects of ischemia. The progressive decline in striatal GABA following transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils may be secondary to either a decreased production or an increase in reuptake mechanisms or both. The current experiment was designed to evaluate release of GABA by stimulation with K+ or inhibition of its uptake with nipecotic acid or their combination (K+ nipecotic) after repetitive forebrain ischemia in gerbils by in-vivo microdialysis on Days 1, 3, 5, and 14 following the insult. Infusion of nipecotic acid or potassium chloride, resulted in a significant increase in extracellular GABA. This response was significantly decreased in the post-ischemic animals. The synergistic effect of increased GABA concentrations by the infusion of nipecotic acid + potassium chloride seem in the controls was not evident in the post-ischemic animals. In conclusion, though there is a reduction in the extracellular GABA concentrations in the first week following an ischemic insult, restorative mechanisms are operative in the second week as seen by the increasing GABA concentrations.

Post-ischemic therapy with CGS-19755 (alone or in combination with hypothermia) in gerbils

Hypothermia or a glutamate receptor antagonist may offer protection when used before or within seconds of an ischemic insult. In this experiment, we tested the efficacy of hypothermia (34 degrees C) versus CGS-19755 (a potent competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker) and their combination which was administered 0.5 h after a 5-min forebrain ischemic insult in gerbils. Morphological assessments were done in Group A at the end of 7 days while Group B was evaluated at 29 days. Each group had four sets of animals: saline treated controls; hypothermia treated; CGS-19755 treated; and a combination of CGS-19755 + hypothermia treated animals. Group A showed significant 'protection', i.e. minimal neuronal damage in the animals treated with hypothermia alone. Protection was evident in the cerebral cortex (P < 0.001), hippocampus CA1 (P < 0.01), and in the striatum (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of neuronal protection in the animals that had received either CGS-19755 alone or a combination of hypothermia and CGS-19755. In Group B (29 day assessment) the neuroprotective effects were not evident in any of the animals when compared to the controls. Behavioral testing with Morris water-maze testing showed no significant differences between the control and any of the treated animals. Our data suggests that 'post-ischemic' therapy with hypothermia may delay the effects of ischemia but does not offer significant long-term neuronal protection. Protection seen at 7 days is not evident at 29 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The sodium-potassium ATPase inhibitor ouabain is neurotoxic in the rat substantia nigra and striatum

Injection of ouabain, a potent and selective inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase, into the rat striatum and substantia nigra caused a selective neuronal loss in up to 70% of the lesioned area. However, there was a glial cell/macrophage proliferation in the core of the lesion. Neuronal loss was demonstrated by staining in vivo with Trypan Blue, a marker for dead cells. Cholinesterase staining was also lost, but in the striatum this was revealed only after pre-existing enzyme was irreversibly inhibited in vivo.

The effect of post-ischemic hypothermia following repetitive cerebral ischemia in gerbils

Repetitive ischemia may result in more severe damage than a single similar duration insult. Inter-ischemic hypothermia significantly decreases this damage. It is unclear if protection would be evident if cooling was delayed until after the repeated insults. In this study, we evaluated the effects of 3 h of mild cooling (34-35 degrees C) beginning immediately after the third insult of ischemia, 0.5 h after the third insult and 1 h after the third insult in a gerbil model of repetitive ischemia. Neuronal damage was assessed in the cerebral cortex (CTX), hippocampus (CA1, CA4), striatum (STR), thalamus (THL), medial geniculate nucleus (MGN), and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). A '4-point' damage scale was used and evaluation was done in a blinded way. Group comparisons were done using the Mann-Whitney U-test for significance between the control and hypothermic groups. Immediate hypothermia after the third ischemic insult produced a significant protection in the CTX (P < 0.05), hippocampus (CA1 and CA4, P < 0.01), STR (P < 0.001), SNr (P < 0.01), MGN (P < 0.01) and THL (P < 0.01). Cooling at 0.5 and 1 h after the third insult produced no protection when compared to ischemic controls. The window of opportunity with hypothermia is narrow in repetitive ischemia. To be effective, therapy must be initiated as soon as possible after ischemic insults.

Baclofen is cytoprotective to cerebral ischemia in gerbils

The release of the neurotransmitter, glutamate, and the activation of receptor operated calcium channels, may increase the degree of damage in ischemic brain tissue. Inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitters should therefore result in cytoprotection of ischemic brain tissue. In this study we evaluated the effect of baclofen, an inhibitor of presynaptic glutamate release, on ischemic gerbil cortex, hippocampus (CA 1 and CA4), striatum and thalamus. Histological evaluation was done in a blind manner in 4 groups (total 36 animals): a control group (9 animals) and three groups (27 animals) with varying doses of baclofen. For cerebral ischemia, we used single episode of five minutes of arterial occlusion of the carotid arteries. Baclofen in doses of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg were given to different groups five minutes prior to ischemic insult. This was followed by intraperitoneal injections given 24 and 48 hours after the initial insult. Statistically significant histological cytoprotection was demonstrated. Doses of 25 mg/kg appeared to demonstrate significant protection of the cortex (p = 0.0002), the CA1 and CA4 regions of the hippocampus (p = 0.0004 and 0.0001) respectively. At a dose of 50 mg/kg, significant cytoprotection was demonstrated at the hippocampus (CA1 and CA4 regions), in particular at the CA4 region (p = 0.0029). The 100 mg/kg dose appeared to have most significant protection at the CA1 and CA4 regions of the hippocampus (both p = 0.0001), striatum (p = 0.0011), and the thalamus (p = 0.0008). All statistical comparisons were done using non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test). Our study demonstrates that baclofen is cytoprotective to ischemic neuronal cells, especially in the hippocampus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Progressive decrease in extracellular GABA concentrations in the post-ischemic period in the striatum: a microdialysis study

Repetitive cerebral ischemia in gerbils produces delayed neuronal damage in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). This damage begins 4 to 5 days after the insult and is severe by day 7. The damage can be attenuated by GABA agonists. There is a prominent GABAergic striatal pathway to the SNr. Damage to this pathway leads to progressive loss of SNr neurons. This loss can be prevented by GABA agonists. We postulate that, ischemia-induced lack of GABAergic inhibitory input from the striatum to the SNr, may be responsible for this delayed neuronal damage. In the present experiment, we have measured striatal extracellular GABA concentrations with or without nipecotic acid, a GABA-reuptake inhibitor, in gerbils exposed to repetitive ischemia. GABA levels were measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after the ischemic insult. Five control animals and a similar number of ischemic animals were monitored on each day. Extracellular fluid was collected using in vivo microdialysis and GABA levels were measured by electrochemical detection with HPLC. The extracellular striatal GABA levels were very low in the initial three specimens collected, both in the control and in the ischemic animals. However, addition of nipecotic acid resulted in an immediate increase of GABA in measurable range. In comparison to the controls, the increase in GABA on day 1 and 3 were significantly higher in animals with repetitive ischemia (two-way ANOVA with repeated measures). Subsequent measurements showed a gradual decrease in GABA levels when compared to controls. The increase in GABA with nipecotic acid was significantly lower on day 7 after the ischemic insults when compared to the controls. The increased GABA responsiveness immediately after the ischemic insults may reflect a protective effect against excitotoxicity. The subsequent decline in GABA levels after the insult may be secondary to progressive loss of striatal GABAergic neurons. This may contribute to the production of delayed neural damage in the SNr by a decrease in the inhibitory striatal input.

Neuronal protection with superoxide dismutase in repetitive forebrain ischemia in gerbils

The underlying mechanism for severe damage with repetitive ischemia is not fully understood. Because of prolonged periods of reperfusions between the brief insults, we speculated that the severe damage may be secondary to excessive generation of oxygen free radicals. In this study we tested the efficacy of peg-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a model of repeated ischemia in gerbils. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) or vehicle (saline) was delivered through osmotic pumps into the lateral ventricles continuously from the onset of the insult until the gerbils were sacrificed 6 days later. Three doses of SOD were used in the experiments (110, 150, and 190 units per microliter). Damage was assessed using a 0-4 point scoring system and statistical comparisons were done using the Mann-Whitney U-test. There was significant protection in the hippocampus (p < 0.05), striatum (p < 0.001), and substantia nigra reticulata (p < 0.05) in the lowest dose SOD-treated group (110 units per microliter). Animals treated with 150 units showed lesser (but significant) protection in the thalamus, medial geniculate nucleus, and striatum. In the animals treated with the higher dose of SOD (190 units per microliter), the extent of damage was no different than vehicle-treated controls in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Compared to controls, neuronal damage was, however, significantly more severe in the medial geniculate nucleus and the thalamus in the high-dose SOD-treated animals (p < 0.05). Our experiments suggest that the SOD may have a small therapeutic window. Higher doses may either have no neuroprotective effects or may be harmful.

Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and U78517F attenuate neuronal damage in gerbils with repeated brief ischemic insults

Repeated ischemic insults at one hour intervals result in more severe neuronal damage than a single similar duration insult. The mechanism for the more severe damage with repetitive ischemia is not fully understood. We hypothesized that the prolonged reperfusion periods between the relatively short ischemic insults may result in a pronounced generation of oxygen free radicals (OFRs). In this study, we tested the protective effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (alone or in combination), and U78517F in a gerbil model of repetitive ischemia. Three episodes (two min each) of bilateral carotid occlusion were used at one hour intervals to produce repetitive ischemia. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were infused via osmotic pumps into the lateral ventricles. Two doses of U78517F were given three times per animal, one half hour prior to each occlusion. Neuronal damage was assessed 7 days later in several brain regions using the silver staining technique. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical comparison. Superoxide dismutase showed significant protection in the hippocampus (CA4), striatum, thalamus and the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN). Catalase showed significant protection in the striatum, hippocampus, thalamus, and MGN and the substantia nigra reticulata. Combination of the two resulted in additional protection in the cerebral cortex. Compared to the controls, there was little protection in a dose of 3 mg/kg of U78517F. There was significant protection with a dose of 10 mg/kg in the hippocampus (CA4), striatum, thalamus, medial geniculate nucleus and the substantia nigra reticulata.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mortality in gerbils with repetitive ischemia: CGSGS-19755/hypothermia therapy

Repetitive ischemia causes more severe damage than a single insult of comparable duration. Gerbils were followed for 1 month postrepetitive ischemia and 100% mortality was demonstrated in the unprotected ischemia group by 12 days postischemia. Significant protection against mortality due to repetitive ischemia was offered by both CGS-19755 and combination CGS-19755-hypothermia treatments. Current practices of sacrificing repetitive ischemia subjects shortly postischemia may lead to an underestimation of the effects of ischemia and/or an overestimation of the protective effects of experimental treatments.

CGS-19755 is neuroprotective during repetitive ischemia: this effect is significantly enhanced when combined with hypothermia

In small animals the damaging effects of repetitive ischemia are more severe than a single insult of similar duration. Prolonged release of glutamate may correlate with the degree of damage. We report the protective effects of CGS-19755 (an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blocker), hypothermia or CGS-19755 in combination with mild hypothermia, in a gerbil model of repetitive ischemia. We used 3 min of forebrain ischemia and repeated it for a total of three times as 1-h intervals. Damage was assessed seven days after the insult. In the group where only CGS-19755 was used, significant neuronal protection was evident in the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3), striatum, and medial geniculate nucleus. With hypothermia significantly less damage was seen in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus (CA1 and CA4), and substantia nigra reticulata. When CGS-19755 was combined with mild hypothermia the effects of repetitive ischemia were completely abolished in all but one gerbil. Compared to hypothermia alone, significant protection was seen in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus (sibiculum, CA1 and CA4), striatum, medial geniculate nucleus, thalamus, and substantia nigra reticulata. The use of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers may protect the brain in repetitive ischemia. Combination with hypothermia may further enhance this protection.

Naloxone receptor binding in gerbil striatum and hippocampus following transient cerebral ischemia

Receptor autoradiographic and histological techniques were used to investigate sequential alteration of naloxone receptors in the gerbil brain 1 h-7 days after transient cerebral ischemia. Transient ischemia was induced for 10 min. [3H]Naloxone binding showed a transient elevation in the striatum 1 h after ischemia, whereas the hippocampus revealed no significant alteration in the binding. Thereafter, no conspicuous alteration in [3H]naloxone binding was seen in the striatum and hippocampus up to 24 h after ischemia. However, a significant elevation in [3H]naloxone binding was found in the hippocampal region 48 h after ischemia. In contrast, the striatum showed no significant alteration in [3H]naloxone binding. Seven days after ischemia, a severe reduction in [3H]naloxone binding was seen not only in the dorsolateral striatum and hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cell layer, where irreversible neuronal damage was found, but also in the histopathological intact dentate gyrus. However, the hippocampal CA1 sector which was most vulnerable to ischemia, revealed no conspicuous alteration in [3H]naloxone binding. These results demonstrate that alteration of naloxone receptors precedes ischemic neuronal damage to the striatum and hippocampus. They also suggest that the damage between striatum and hippocampus may be produced with different processes.

Gamma-vinyl GABA prevents hippocampal and substantia nigra reticulata damage in repetitive transient forebrain ischemia

GABAergic inhibitory mechanisms may offer protection to neurons after global ischemia. We tested the effects of gamma-vinyl GABA, a GABA-transaminase inhibitor, via continuous infusion in the third ventricle (Alza pumps) in a gerbil model of repetitive forebrain ischemia. We used two episodes of 3 min duration with a 'reperfusion' interval of 1 h between the insults. Histological analysis was done with silver staining 5 days after the insult. Our results show that there is significant protection of the hippocampus CA1 region and substantia nigra reticulata in treated animals compared to controls. An increase in GABA levels, decrease in glutamate, or mild hypothermia, may be potential mechanisms for this protection. GABAergic agents may prove useful agents in repetitive ischemia.