Abstract
Pericytes play a key role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. BBB disruption occurs during early stages after ischemic stroke. However, the role of pericytes in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke remains still understudied. 3K3A-APC, a recombinant variant of activated protein C, has shown benefits in preclinical models of ischemic stroke and has favorable safety profile and reduces hemorrhage in Phase 2 study in ischemic stroke patients (RHAPSODY). In the present study, we used PDGFRβ heterozygous knockout (PDGFRβ+/-) mice to investigate the effects of pericyte deficiency on ischemic brain injury using transient proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Additionally, we investigated the effects of 3K3A-APC therapy (0.2mg/kg i.v. 4h after stroke) in this model. Compared to controls, pericyte deficiency in PDGFRβ+/- mice resulted in ~35% increase in the infarct and edema volumes, reduction in pericyte coverage from 58% to 25%, and increased IgG and fibrin deposition suggesting accelerated BBB breakdown 24h after stroke. Additionally, PDGFRβ+/- mice showed by 36% more degenerating Fluoro-Jade+ neurons and exhibited accelerated neurobehavioral abnormalities. 3K3A-APC improved neuropathological changes and functional deficits. Our results suggest that pericyte deficiency worsens brain damage and functional outcome after ischemic stroke in mice suggesting that pericytes may play an important role in protecting brain from post-ischemic. We also suggests that 3K3A-APC protects pericyte function in stroked mice which could contribute to its overall neuroprotective effects.
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