Abstract
BackgroundIschemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a critical pathophysiological basis of cognitive dysfunction caused by ischemia stroke. Heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the elimination of excessive free heme by combining with hemopexin (HPX), a plasma protein that contributes to eliminating excessive free heme during ischemia stroke. This study aimed to elucidate whether HPX could alleviate cognitive dysfunction in rats subjected to cerebral I/R.MethodsRats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, MCAO, Vehicle, HPX and HPX + protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX). Cerebral I/R was induced by MCAO. Saline, vehicle, HPX and HPX + ZnPPIX were injected intracerebroventricularly at the moment after reperfusion. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to detect the learning and cognitive function. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HO-1 in ischemic penumbra. CD31/vWF double labeling immunofluorescence was used to detect the neovascularization in the penumbra hippocampus. The structure and function of blood-brain barrier (BBB) was detected by the permeability of Evans Blue (EB), water content of the brain tissue, the Ang1/Ang2 and VE-cadherin expression.ResultsOur study verified that HPX improved the learning and memory capacity. Hemopexin up-regulated HO-1 protein expression, the average vessel density in the penumbra hippocampus and the VE- cadherin expression but decreased the permeability of EB, the water content of brain tissue and the ratio of Ang1/Ang2. The effects were reversed by ZnPPIX, an inhibitor of HO-1.ConclusionHPX can maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and alleviate cognitive dysfunction after cerebral I/R through the HO-1 pathway.
Highlights
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a critical pathophysiological basis of cognitive dysfunction caused by ischemia stroke
Cognitive dysfunction is the main cause of the decline in the quality of life in patients subjected to stroke, which is well known for its high incidence, disability, mortality and recurrence rate worldwide [1]
There were no significant differences in the escape latency, time spent in target quadrant and number of platform crossings between the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and vehicle group (MCAO vs. Vehicle: P > 0.05, n = 6, Fig. 1b, c and d)
Summary
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a critical pathophysiological basis of cognitive dysfunction caused by ischemia stroke. Heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the elimination of excessive free heme by combining with hemopexin (HPX), a plasma protein that contributes to eliminating excessive free heme during ischemia stroke. This study aimed to elucidate whether HPX could alleviate cognitive dysfunction in rats subjected to cerebral I/R. Cognitive dysfunction is the main cause of the decline in the quality of life in patients subjected to stroke, which is well known for its high incidence, disability, mortality and recurrence rate worldwide [1]. The free heme released from methemoglobin during cerebral I/R is a toxic component of endothelial cells [4].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.