Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Ischemic Brain (ischemic + brain)
Terms modified by Ischemic Brain Selected AbstractsDown-regulation of neurocan expression in reactive astrocytes promotes axonal regeneration and facilitates the neurorestorative effects of bone marrow stromal cells in the ischemic rat brainGLIA, Issue 16 2008Li Hong Shen Abstract The glial scar, a primarily astrocytic structure bordering the infarct tissue inhibits axonal regeneration after stroke. Neurocan, an axonal extension inhibitory molecule, is up-regulated in the scar region after stroke. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) reduce the thickness of glial scar wall and facilitate axonal remodeling in the ischemic boundary zone. To further clarify the role of BMSCs in axonal regeneration and its underlying mechanism, the current study focused on the effect of BMSCs on neurocan expression in the ischemic brain. Thirty-one adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by an injection of 3 × 106 rat BMSCs (n = 16) or phosphate-buffered saline (n = 15) into the tail vein 24 h later. Animals were sacrificed at 8 days after stroke. Immunostaining analysis showed that reactive astrocytes were the primary source of neurocan, and BMSC-treated animals had significantly lower neurocan and higher growth associated protein 43 expression in the penumbral region compared with control rats, which was confirmed by Western blot analysis of the brain tissue. To further investigate the effects of BMSCs on astrocyte neurocan expression, single reactive astrocytes were collected from the ischemic boundary zone using laser capture microdissection. Neurocan gene expression was significantly down-regulated in rats receiving BMSC transplantation (n = 4/group). Primary cultured astrocytes showed similar alterations; BMSC coculture during reoxygenation abolished the up-regulation of neurocan gene in astrocytes undergoing oxygen-glucose deprivation (n = 3/group). Our data suggest that BMSCs promote axonal regeneration by reducing neurocan expression in peri-infarct astrocytes. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Signaling, delivery and age as emerging issues in the benefit/risk ratio outcome of tPA For treatment of CNS ischemic disordersJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2010William M. Armstead J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 303,312. Abstract Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the only FDA-approved treatment for ischemic stroke, clinical use of tPA has been constrained to roughly 3% of eligible patients because of the danger of intracranial hemorrhage and a narrow 3 h time window for safe administration. Basic science studies indicate that tPA enhances excitotoxic neuronal cell death. In this review, the beneficial and deleterious effects of tPA in ischemic brain are discussed along with emphasis on development of new approaches toward treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In particular, roles of tPA-induced signaling and a novel delivery system for tPA administration based on tPA coupling to carrier red blood cells will be considered as therapeutic modalities for increasing tPA benefit/risk ratio. The concept of the neurovascular unit will be discussed in the context of dynamic relationships between tPA-induced changes in cerebral hemodynamics and histopathologic outcome of CNS ischemia. Additionally, the role of age will be considered since thrombolytic therapy is being increasingly used in the pediatric population, but there are few basic science studies of CNS injury in pediatric animals. [source] Sphingolipids in rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia: implication for stroke injuryJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002M. Khan Lipids are essential for signal transduction in response to trauma leading to neurodegeneration. Ceramide is an important mediator of apoptosis and cell proliferation. We studied the involvement of ceramide/sphingomyelin pathway in rat brain (stroke model) after 45 min ischemia followed by 24-h reperfusion. Ischemia was performed through occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The level of ceramide was found increased (70,100% in ischemic side of brain v/s contralateral side of brain). Sphingomyelin levels were also decreased by 20,25% in ischemic brain v/s contralateral side of brain. Increase in ceramide and decrease in sphingomyelin were in good agreement with observed apoptotic cell loss (TUNEL assay) and decrease in the level of cardiolipin (a mitochondrian specific phospholipids) in affected ischemic brain. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a therapeutic agent recognized as potent antioxidant provided protective effect. Pretreatment with NAC before ischemia reduced the infarct volume size, suppressed apoptosis, restored cardiolipin level and decreased the levels of free fatty acids. However, NAC did not normalize the ceramide level. These interesting observations raise a question about the role of ceramide and its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat brain ischemia. Acknowledgements:, Supported by NIH grants NS-40144, NS-40810, NS-22576, NS-34741 and NS-37766. [source] Protective role of COMP-Ang1 in ischemic rat brainJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Hye Young Shin Abstract In cerebral ischemia, the induction of angiogenesis may represent a natural defense mechanism that enables the hypoxic brain to avoid progression into infarction. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) is known to produce non-leaky and stable blood vessel formation mainly by the Tie2 receptor. Therefore, we envisioned that the application of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein-Ang1 (COMP-Ang1), a soluble, stable, and potent form of Ang1, would promote angiogenesis and provide a protective effect following unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. To this end, we employed a 2-hour-MCAO model, and treated rats with adenovirus encoding COMP-Ang1 (Ade-COMP-Ang1) or control virus encoding ,-gal (Ade-,-gal). Time course magnetic resonance images (MRIs) revealed significantly reduced infarct volume in the rats treated with Ade-COMP-Ang1 with an improvement of post-ischemic neurological deficits compared with rats treated with Ade-,-gal. Moreover, compared to the rats treated with Ade-,-gal, the rats treated with Ade-COMP-Ang1 showed an increase in blood vessels, especially in the border zone adjacent to the infarction, increased number of endogenous neuronal progenitor cells in the ischemic brain, and decreased number of TUNEL-positive cells. Taken together, COMP-Ang1 reduced infarct volume and consequently attenuated post-ischemic neurological deficits through enhanced angiogenesis and increased viable cell mass of neuronal cells. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Endogenous neurogenesis and neovascularization in the neocortex of the rat after focal cerebral ischemiaJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Hye Young Shin Abstract The present study was designed to examine whether endogenous neurogenesis and neovascularization occur in the neocortex of the ischemic rat brain after unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 29): one control group (n = 4) and five groups composed of animals sacrificed at increasing times post-MCAO (2 days and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks; n = 5 per group). To determine the presence of neurogenesis and neovascularization in the ischemic brain, nestin, Tuj1, NeuN, GFAP, Tie2, RECA, and 5-bromo-2,-deoxyuridine (BrdU) were analyzed immunohistochemically. In addition, nestin, GFAP, and Tie2 expression was determined by Western blotting. Triple-labeling of nestin, BrdU, and laminin was performed to visualize the interaction between endogenous neurogenesis and neovascularization. The number of BrdU- and nestin-colabeled cells increased markedly in the neocortex and border zone of the ischemic area up to 1 week after MCAO and decreased thereafter. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of nestin, Tie-2, and GFAP was amplified in the ipsilateral hemisphere 2days after MCAO and peaked 1 week after MCAO, compared with that in the normal brain. After ischemic injury, nestin- and BrdU-colabeled cells were observed in the vicinity of the endothelial cells lining cerebral vessels in the ipsilateral neocortex of the ischemic brain. Endogenous neurogenesis and neovascularization were substantially activated and occurred in close proximity to one other in the ipsilateral neocortex of the ischemic rat brain. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuroprotection by vascular endothelial growth factorJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1-2 2005Feng-Yan Sun Abstract The present view of the neuroprotective functions and mechanisms of action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is based on studies of neuronal ischemic/hypoxic models in vivo and in vitro. Endogenous neuronal VEGF increases in the ischemic brain and plays a neuroprotective role in the pathophysiologic processes that follow stroke. Exogenous VEGF, directly administered or overexpressed by gene delivery into rat brains, reduces ischemic brain infarct and decreases hypoxic neuronal death. The main neuroprotective mechanisms of VEGF include: (1) modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3,-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/nuclear factor-,B signaling pathway, inhibition of caspase-3 activity, and reduction of ischemic neuronal apoptosis; (2) inhibition of outward delayed rectifier potassium channel currents and increase of ischemia-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.2 potassium channel proteins via activation of the PI3K pathway; and (3) enhancement of proliferation and migration of neural progenitors in the subventricular zone and improvement of striatal neurogenesis and maturation of newborn neurons in adult rat brains after stroke. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in neuronal DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient cerebral ischemiaJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Zeng-Jin Yang Abstract The antisense knockdown technique and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis were used to elucidate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction and its effect on DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immunohistochemical study and in situ hybridization showed that the expression of VEGF and its mRNA was enhanced in the ischemic core and penumbra of ischemic brain. Western blot analysis further illustrated that VEGF induction was time-dependently changed in these areas. Double-staining analysis indicated that VEGF-positive staining existed in the neuron, but not in the glia, and it colocalized with excision repair cross-complementing group 6 (ERCC6) mRNA, a DNA repair factor. VEGF antisense oligodeoxynucleotide infusion reduced VEGF induction and resulted in an enlargement of infarct volume of the brain caused by ischemia. Moreover, it also increased the number of DNA damaged cells and lessened the induction of ERCC6 mRNA in ischemic brains. These results suggest that the induction of endogenous VEGF in ischemic neurons plays a neuroprotective role probably associated with the expression of ERCC6 mRNA. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Remifentanil and the brainACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2008V. FODALE Background and aim: Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid, increasingly used today in neuroanesthesia and neurointensive care. Its characteristics make remifentanil a potentially ideal agent, but previous data have cast a shadow on this opioid, supporting potentially toxic effects on the ischemic brain. The aim of the present concise review is to survey available up-to-date information on the effects of remifentanil on the central nervous system. Method: A MEDLINE search within the past seven years for available up-to-date information on remifentanil and brain was performed. Results: Concise up-to-date information on the effects of remifentanil on the central nervous system was reported, with a particular emphasis on the following topics: cerebral metabolism, electroencephalogram, electrocorticography, motor-evoked potentials, regional cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood flow velocity, arterial hypotension and hypertension, intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, cerebral autoregulation, cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity, cerebrospinal fluid, painful stimulation, analgesia and hyperalgesia, neuroprotection, neurotoxicity and hypothermia. Conclusion: The knowledge of the influence of remifentanil on brain functions is crucial before routine use in neuroanesthesia to improve anesthesia performance and patient safety as well as outcome. [source] Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) is critical for intracranial bleeding after t-PA treatment of stroke in miceJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2007Y. SUZUKI Summary.,Background:,Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is approved for treatment of ischemic stroke patients, but it may increase the risk of intracranial bleeding (ICB). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can be activated through the plasminogen/plasmin system, may contribute to ICB after ischemic stroke. Objectives:,To explore the contribution of plasminogen, MMP-3 and MMP-9 to ICB associated with t-PA treatment after ischemic stroke. Methods:,Using a thrombotic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA-O) model, ICB was studied in mice with genetic deficiencies of plasminogen (Plg,/,), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3,/,), or gelatinase B (MMP-9,/,) and their corresponding wild-type (WT) littermates. The induction of MMP-3 and MMP-9 was also studied in C57BL/6 WT mice. Results:,ICB induced by t-PA (10 mg kg,1) was significantly less than WT in Plg,/, (P < 0.05) and MMP-3,/, (P < 0.05) but not in MMP-9,/, mice. Furthermore, administration of the broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001 after t-PA treatment reduced ICB significantly (P < 0.05) in MMP-3+/+ mice, but had no effect on MMP-3,/, mice. MMP-3 expression was significantly enhanced at the ischemic hemisphere; with placebo treatment, it was expressed only in neurons, whereas it was up-regulated in endothelial cells with t-PA treatment. Although MMP-9 expression was also significantly enhanced at the ischemic brain, the amount and the distribution were comparable in mice with and without t-PA treatment. Conclusions:,Our data with gene-deficient mice thus suggest that plasminogen and MMP-3 are relatively more important than MMP-9 for the increased ICB induced by t-PA treatment of ischemic stroke. [source] Vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in middle cerebral artery occlusion in the ratACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2005F. Lennmyr Background:, Focal cerebral ischemia induces up-regulation of angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may have both beneficial and harmful effects to the ischemic brain. Vascular endothelial growth factor is up-regulated in models of brain ischemia, but the underlying mechanisms in vivo remain unclear. In the present report we have investigated the concomitant changes in VEGF and glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA expression in a model of permanent and transient cerebral ischemia. Methods:, Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to permanent or transient (2 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO, TMCAO). Brain samples were collected at survival times ranging from 6 h to 1 week, and the levels of VEGF164 and GAPDH mRNA were determined using reverse-transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results:, The VEGF mRNA levels decreased gradually over the observation period in a similar manner in both PMCAO and TMCAO. Maximum levels, seen at early observation time points, did not significantly deviate from sham controls. No statistically significant changes in GAPDH mRNA levels were observed, but there was a tendency towards a postischemic decrease with subsequent return to control levels over time. The VEGF/GAPDH ratio followed a pattern of decrease similar to VEGF mRNA alone. Conclusion:, The VEGF mRNA levels at 6 h after MCAO remain near baseline and thereafter decline, regardless of whether the occlusion is permanent or transient (2 h). The findings raise the question of other than transcriptional regulation of VEGF in cerebral ischemia. [source] Quantitative t1, NMR spectroscopy of rat cerebral metabolites in vivo: Effects of global ischemiaMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2004Mikko I. Kettunen Abstract The NMR relaxation times (T1,, T2, and T1) of water, N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline-containing compounds (Cho), and lactate (Lac) were quantified in rat brain at 4.7 T. In control animals, the cerebral T1, figures, as determined with a spin-lock field of 1.0 G, were 575 ± 30 ms, 380 ± 19 ms, 705 ± 53 ms, and 90 ± 1 ms for NAA, Cr, Cho, and water, respectively. The T1, figures were 62,103% longer than their respective T2 values determined by a multiecho method. In global (ischemic) ischemia, T1, of NAA declined by 34%, that of Cr and Cho did not change, and that of water increased by 10%. The T1, of lactate in ischemic brain was 367 ± 44 ms. Similar patterns of changes were observed in the multiecho T2 of these cerebral metabolites. The T1 of water and NAA changed in a fashion similar to that of T1, and T2. These results show differential responses in metabolite and water T1, relaxation times following ischemia, and indicate that metabolite T1, and T2 relaxation times behave similarly in the ischemic brain. The contributions of dipolar and nondipolar effects on T1, relaxation in vivo are discussed in this work. Magn Reson Med 51:875,880, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Endothelial progenitor cell transplantation improves long-term stroke outcome in miceANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2010Yongfeng Fan PhD Objective Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in tissue repairing and regeneration in ischemic organs, including the brain. However, the cause of EPC migration and the function of EPCs after ischemia are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of EPCs on ischemic brain injury in a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Methods Circulating human EPCs were characterized with immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. EPCs (1 × 106) were injected into nude mice after 1 hour of tMCAO. Histological analysis and behavioral tests were performed from day 0 to 28 days after tMCAO. Results EPCs were detected in ischemic brain regions 24 hours after tMCAO. EPC transplantation significantly reduced ischemic infarct volume at 3 days after tMCAO compared with control animals (p < 0.05). CXCR4 was expressed in the majority of EPCs, and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) induced EPC migration, which was blocked by pretreated EPCs with AMD3100 in vitro. SDF-1 was upregulated in ischemic brain. Compared with control animals, injecting AMD3100-pretreated EPCs resulted in a larger infarct volume 3 days after tMCAO, suggesting that SDF-1,mediated signaling was involved in EPC-mediated neuroprotection. In addition, EPC transplantation reduced mouse cortex atrophy 4 weeks after tMCAO and improved neurobehavioral outcomes (p < 0.05). EPC injection potently increased angiogenesis in the peri-infarction area (p < 0.05). Interpretation We conclude that systemic delivery of EPCs protects the brain against ischemic injury, promotes neurovascular repair, and improves long-term neurobehavioral outcomes. Our data suggest that SDF-1,mediated signaling plays a critical role in EPC-mediated neuroprotection. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:488,497 [source] Recombinant C1 inhibitor in brain ischemic injury,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2009Raffaella Gesuete BD Objective C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) is an endogenous inhibitor of complement and kinin systems. We have explored the efficacy and the therapeutic window of the recently available human recombinant (rh) C1-INH on ischemic brain injury and investigated its mechanism of action in comparison with that of plasma-derived (pd) C1-INH. Methods rhC1-INH was administered intravenously to C57Bl/6 mice undergoing transient or permanent ischemia, and its protective effects were evaluated by measuring infarct volume and neurodegeneration. The binding profiles of rhC1-INH and pdC1-INH were assessed in vitro using surface plasmon resonance. Their localization in the ischemic brain tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal analysis. The functional consequences of rhC1-INH and pdC1-INH administration on complement activation were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on plasma samples. Results rhC1-INH markedly reduced cerebral damage when administered up to 18 hours after transient ischemia and up to 6 hours after permanent ischemia, thus showing a surprisingly wide therapeutic window. In vitro rhC1-INH bound mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a key protein in the lectin complement pathway, with high affinity, whereas pdC1-INH, which has a different glycosylation pattern, did not. In the ischemic brain, rhC1-INH was confined to cerebral vessels, where it colocalized with MBL, whereas pdC1-INH diffused into the brain parenchyma. In addition, rhC1-INH was more active than pdC1-INH in inhibiting MBL-induced complement activation. Interpretation rhC1-INH showed a surprisingly wider time window of efficacy compared with the corresponding plasmatic protein. We propose that the superiority of rhC1-INH is due to its selective binding to MBL, which emerged as a novel target for stroke treatment. Ann Neurol 2009;66:332,342 [source] In Vivo Distribution of Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin Determined by Positron Emission TomographyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2009Takeo Urakami Abstract Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive imaging technology that enables the determination of biodistribution of positron emitter-labeled compounds. Lipidic nanoparticles are useful for drug delivery system (DDS), including the artificial oxygen carriers. However, there has been no appropriate method to label preformulated DDS drugs by positron emitters. We have developed a rapid and efficient labeling method for lipid nanoparticles and applied it to determine the movement of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH). Distribution of LEH in the rat brain under ischemia was examined by a small animal PET with an enhanced resolution. While the blood flow was almost absent in the ischemic region observed by [15O]H2O imaging, distribution of 18F-labeled LEH in the region was gradually increased during 60-min dynamic PET scanning. The results suggest that LEH deliver oxygen even into the ischemic brain from the periphery toward the core of ischemia. The real-time observation of flow pattern, deposition, and excretion of LEH in the ischemic rodent brain was possible by the new methods of positron emitter labeling and PET system with a high resolution. [source] Calpain cleavage of collapsin response mediator proteins in ischemic mouse brainEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Susan X. Jiang Abstract Collapsin response mediator proteins (CRMPs) are important brain-specific proteins with distinct functions in modulating growth cone collapse and axonal guidance during brain development. Our previous studies have shown that calpain cleaves CRMP3 in the adult mouse brain during cerebral ischemia [S.T. Hou et al. (2006) J. Neurosci., 26, 2241,2249]. Here, the expression of all CRMP family members (1,5) was examined in mouse brains that were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Among the five CRMPs, the expressions of CRMP1, CRMP3 and CRMP5 were the most abundant in the cerebral cortex and all CRMPs were targeted for cleavage by ischemia-activated calpain. Sub-cellular fractionation analysis showed that cleavage of CRMPs by calpain occurred not only in the cytoplasm but also in the synaptosomes isolated from ischemic brains. Moreover, synaptosomal CRMPs appeared to be at least one-fold more sensitive to cleavage compared with those isolated from the cytosolic fraction in an in-vitro experiment, suggesting that synaptosomal CRMPs are critical targets during cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal injury. Finally, the expression of all CRMPs was colocalized with TUNEL-positive neurons in the ischemic mouse brain, which further supports the notion that CRMPs may play an important role in neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. Collectively, these studies demonstrated that CRMPs are targets of calpains during cerebral ischemia and they also highlighted an important potential role that CRMPs may play in modulating ischemic neuronal death. [source] Sema4D deficiency results in an increase in the number of oligodendrocytes in healthy and injured mouse brainsJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 13 2009Yoshitaka Taniguchi Abstract Semaphorins, a family of secreted and membrane-bound proteins, are known to function as repulsive axon guidance molecules. Sema4D, a class 4 transmembrane-type semaphorin, is expressed by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, but its role is unknown. In this study, the effects of Sema4D deficiency on oligodendrocytes were studied in intact and ischemic brains of adult mice. As observed in previous studies, Sema4D marked by ,-galactosidase in Sema4D mutant mice was localized exclusively on myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)-positive oligodendrocytes but not on NG2-positive oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Although there was no difference in the number of the latter cells between Sema4D-deficient and wild-type mice, the number of MAG-positive cells was significantly increased in the cerebral cortex of both nonischemic and postischemic brains of Sema4D-deficient mice. Cell proliferation, observed by using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, was evident in the MAG-positive cells that developed after cerebral ischemia. These data indicate that Sema4D is involved in oligodendrogenesis during development and during recovery from ischemic injury. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in neuronal DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient cerebral ischemiaJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Zeng-Jin Yang Abstract The antisense knockdown technique and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis were used to elucidate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction and its effect on DNA damage and repair in rat brain following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immunohistochemical study and in situ hybridization showed that the expression of VEGF and its mRNA was enhanced in the ischemic core and penumbra of ischemic brain. Western blot analysis further illustrated that VEGF induction was time-dependently changed in these areas. Double-staining analysis indicated that VEGF-positive staining existed in the neuron, but not in the glia, and it colocalized with excision repair cross-complementing group 6 (ERCC6) mRNA, a DNA repair factor. VEGF antisense oligodeoxynucleotide infusion reduced VEGF induction and resulted in an enlargement of infarct volume of the brain caused by ischemia. Moreover, it also increased the number of DNA damaged cells and lessened the induction of ERCC6 mRNA in ischemic brains. These results suggest that the induction of endogenous VEGF in ischemic neurons plays a neuroprotective role probably associated with the expression of ERCC6 mRNA. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||