Abstract
Purpose: To study the influence of naloxone hydrochloride on traumatic brain injury (TBI).
 Methods: Three groups of rats were used: normal control, TBI, and TBI + naloxone hydrochloride groups (12 rats/group). In the control group, only the osseous foramen was opened. Rats in TBI group were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, while the naloxone group received naloxone hydrochloride injection at the same time. Changes in peripheral blood β-EP, CD4+, CD8+, IL-2, and S100-B levels; and brain tissue MMP-9 were assessed.
 Results: The levels of β-EP in the TBI- and naloxone-treated rats were higher than control values, while levels of CD4+ in TBI and naloxone groups were significantly lower than those of control group (p < 0.01). At every time point, CD8+ level in naloxone group was significantly lower than that in TBI group (p < 0.01). Compared with control group, the levels of IL-2 in the TBI and naloxone groups were significantly lower. Higher levels of S100-B were seen in TBI- and naloxone-treated rats, relative to control value. In the naloxone group, MMP-9 expression was downregulated, when compared to the expression TBI rats (p < 0.05).
 Conclusion: Naloxone hydrochloride reduces β-EP, alleviates inflammation, protects nerve cells and reduces brain injury in TBI rats. There is, thus, a potential to develop naloxone for the management of brain injury
Highlights
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to organic brain injury caused by violence on the head
It has been reported that the levels of IL-2, S100-B, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and other factors are associated with the prognosis of TBI patients. β-Endorphin (β-EP) is an endogenous morphine-like hormone which acts as a natural analgesic [5]
This study was carried out to determine the influence of naloxone hydrochloride on β-EP, CD4+, CD8+, IL-2, MMP-9 and S100-B expressions in peripheral blood of rats after TBI
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to organic brain injury caused by violence on the head. The occurrence and development of cerebral edema are closely related to the level of MMP-9. The permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) increases with increases in the level of MMP-9, thereby exacerbating the occurrence of cerebral edema [4]. It has been reported that the levels of IL-2, S100-B, MMP-9 and other factors are associated with the prognosis of TBI patients. This study was carried out to determine the influence of naloxone hydrochloride on β-EP, CD4+, CD8+, IL-2, MMP-9 and S100-B expressions in peripheral blood of rats after TBI. The expression of MMP-9 in brain tissue of rats after TBI was determined with chemiluminescence, while hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining was used to observe changes in brain tissue of rats at different time points after injury.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
