Neuroprotective effect of ceftriaxone on focal cerebral ischemia in rats and its mechanism

Abstract

Objective To explore the neuroprotective effect of ceftriaxone on cerebral ischemia injury in rats with focal cerebral ischemia and its possible mechanism. Methods Focal cerebral ischemic models were established in Wistar rats and randomly divided into ischemic group (performed middle cerebral artery occlusion [MCAO]), ceftriaxone (CTX) therapy group (given CTX at a dosage of 200 mg/kg 90 min after MCAO) and control group (given physiological saline only). Twenty-four and 48 h, and 7 d after MCAO, neurological behaviors and cerebral edema level were evaluated in these 3 groups;glutamate transporter function in the cortex and hippocampus of rats was compared between each 2 groups. Results With time extended, neurological behaviors scores were obviously elevated in every group;and cerebral edema became worse at 24 and 48 h and decreased 7 d after MCAO. As compared with that in the ischemic group, glutamate transporter function, level of edema and neurological behaviors scores in cortex and hippocampus of rats in the CTX therapy group were statistically increased at different ischemic time points (P<0.05). Conclusion Ceftriaxone has a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia in rats, which may relate to increased glutamate transporter function and reduced glutamate neurotoxicity. Key words: Ceftriaxone; Focal cerebral ischemia; Glutamate transporter