Effects of normobaric oxygen on the progression of focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Abstract

Normobaric oxygen (NBO) reduces infarction at 24–48h in experimental models of focal cerebral ischemia. However, to be clinically relevant, longer term safety and efficacy must be explored. Here, we assessed the effects of NBO on glial activation, neurovascular recovery, and behavioral outcomes at 2weeks after transient focal ischemia in rats. 100min transient focal ischemia was induced by intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were randomized into sham, controls or 85′NBO started 15min after ischemic onset. Infarct volumes and behavioral outcomes were blindly quantified. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of NBO on glial activation and neurovascular responses. After 2weeks of reperfusion the infarct volume was marked reduced in animals subjected to NBO. They also had better outcomes in forelimb placement test and in body-swing test and weight loss reduction. After 14days, NBO decreased expression of Iba1, a marker of activated microglia, and GFAP, a marker of activated astrocytes. NBO treatment had no detectable effect on angiogenesis. These results suggest that protective effects of NBO may persist for up to 2weeks post-stroke.