Abstract 38: Reactive Oxygen Species Contribute To Aneurysmal Rupture in Mice

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Inflammation and apoptosis are recognized as key factors for aneurysmal rupture. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediates both inflammation and apoptosis in vascular walls. Therefore, we hypothesized that ROS produced by xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase contributes to aneurysmal rupture. Recently we have demonstrated the feasibility of using a mouse model of intracranial aneurysms to test pharmacological therapies for the prevention of aneurysmal rupture. We tested the hypothesis by using this newly established mouse model. Methods: Intracranial aneurysms were induced in male mice using a combination of a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid and the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt hypertension. Six days after aneurysm induction, we started 2-week treatment with vehicle (n=27), a superoxide scavenger (tempol; n=13), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor (oxypurinol; n=15), and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin; n=16). Aneurysmal rupture was detected by neurological symptoms and confirmed by the presence of intracranial aneurysms with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Dihydroethidium staining and in situ zymography were performed to detect superoxide production and gelatinase activity, respectively. Results: A superoxide scavenger (tempol) significantly reduced rupture rate (vehicle vs. tempol: 74% vs. 27%, P < 0.05) (Figure1). It reduced superoxide production and gelatinase activity in aneurysmal walls (Figure2). Furthermore, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor (oxypurinol), and the NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) reduced the rupture rate (vehicle vs. oxypurinol: 74% vs. 30%, P< 0.05, vehicle vs. apocynin: 74% vs. 33%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that superoxide produced by xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase contributes to aneurysmal rupture, by activating matrix metalloproteinases.