Apoptosis and the expressions of caspase-3 and programmed cell death 5 protein in perihematoma tissue after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Abstract

Objective To observe apoptosis and its relationship between the expression of caspase-3 and programmed cell death 5 （PDCD5） protein in perihematoma tissue after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats and to investigate the injury mechanism after intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods A total of 54 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation and intracerebral hemorrhage groups, and the latter were redivided into 3,6, 12 hours, days 1,2,3, 5, and 7 subgroups （n = 6 in each group）. A model of intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by injecting 50 μL autologous tail artery blood into the caudate nucleus. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method. The expressions of Caspase-3 and PDCD5 was observed by immunohistochemistry. Results The apoptotic cells were found in perihematoma tissue of rats at 3 hours,they reached the peak at day 2 to day 3 and reduced gradually after 3 days. Caspose-3 and PDCD5 positive cells were found in perihematoma tissue of rats at 3 hours, they reached peak at day 1 to day 2 and reduced gradually after 3 days. The numbers of Caspase-3 （r =0. 971, P 〈0. 01 ） and PDCD5 （r = -0. 334, P 〈0. 01 ） positive cells were positively correlated with those of apoptotic cells in perihematoma tissue after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. Conclusions The perihematoma tissue of intracerebral hemorrhage in rats existed apoptosis, and it was consistent with the expressions of Caspase-3 and PDCD5. Caspase-3 and PDCD5 may promote apoptosis in perihematoma tissue after intracerebral hemorrhage. Key words: Cerebral hemorrhage; Apoptosis; Apoptosis regulatory proteins; Caspase 3; PDCD5 protein, human; Rats