Qingkailing injection attenuates apoptosis and neurologic deficits in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Aim of the study Traditional Chinese herb Angong Niuhuang Pill ( AGNHP) is a famous preparation for neurological diseases; Qingkailing injection ( QKL), an extract of AGNHP has similar clinical applications. This investigation was designed to further elucidate the neuroprotective effect of QKL on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Materials and methods ICH was produced in adult Sprague–Dawley rats by injection of collagenase IV. Three incremental doses of QKL injection including low-(0.5 ml/kg), moderate-(1 ml/kg) and high-dosage (2 ml/kg) were administered twice, 3 and 12 h following ICH. TUNEL and caspase-3 activity were measured at 1 d after ICH, and apomorphine-induced rotation was evaluated at 1 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d. Results Administration of high-dose QKL inhibited TUNEL positive cells ( p < 0.05) and caspase-3 activity ( p < 0.05) at 1 d following ICH, and reduced apomorphine-induced rotation at 1 d ( p < 0.01), 7 d, 14 d and 28 d ( p < 0.05), compared with the controls. However, QKL in a low or moderate dose had no such effect. Conclusion QKL reduced brain damage of intracerebral hemorrhage through inhibiting apoptosis, which suggested a potential intervention for ICH patients.