Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Rat Model of Blood-brain Barrier Disruption to Allow Targeted Neurovascular Therapeutics
Published on: November 30, 2012
[The protective effects of baicalin on pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema in rats]
1Department of Pediatrics, Xiang Ya Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha.
Objective:
To evaluate the inhibitory effect of baicalin on iron-dependent lipid peroxidation (IDLPO) and the protective effect on pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema in rats.
Methods:
In vitro, the inhibitory effect of baicalin and deferoxamine (DFX) was studied at different concentrations on IDLPO in brain homogenates of Sprague-Dawley rats. In vivo, the protective effect was studied of baicalin and DFX on brain edema induced by injecting purtussis bacilli into the left internal carotid artery in rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (NS, n = 10), as control; Group 2 (PB, n = 10), pertussis bacilli control; Group 3 (DFX, n = 10), PB + deferoxamine; and Group 4 (BAI, n = 10), PB + baicalin.
Results:
The baicalin was possessed of an inhibitory effect on IDLPO in rat brain homogenate, moreover, the inhibitory potency of baicalin was approximately 20 times higher than DFX treated alone. In vivo, the increase in the content of water(CW) and Evans blue (EB) was attenuated in groups DFX and BAI (CW: 79.8 +/- 0.7)% and (79.5 +/- 0.6)%; (EB: 11 +/- 7 micrograms/g and 12 +/- 5 micrograms/g) as compared with the group PB (CW: 80.4 +/- 0.9%, EB: 24 +/- 10 micrograms/g). The content of iron was significantly lower than in the left hemispheres (injected side) in the group DFX and the group BAI (79 +/- 9 micrograms/g and 77 +/- 10 micrograms/g) than in the left hemispheres in the group PB(132 +/- 28 micrograms.d-1.g), P < 0.05. The activation of CuZn-SOD (L155 +/- 36 U/mg pr, R177 +/- 75 U/mg pr) was decreased in the group BP compared with the group NS(L 201 +/- 49 U/mg pr, R 249 +/- 49 U/mg pr), P < 0.05. The activation of CuZn-SOD was significantly higher in the left brain tissues in the groups DFX and BAI (222 +/- 49 U/mg pr and 230 +/- 45 U/mg pr, respectively) than in the left brain tissues of the group of PB (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The baicalin and DFX have a protective effects on the pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema in rats, and the protective effects are related to the inhibitory effect on IDLPO, chelating Fe2+, and activated CuZn-SOD.
Insights
Baicalin effectively inhibits iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and protects against pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema in rats. Its protective effects are linked to iron chelation and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pertussis bacilli infection can lead to brain edema.
- Iron-dependent lipid peroxidation (IDLPO) plays a role in brain injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate baicalin's inhibitory effect on IDLPO.
- To assess baicalin's protective effect against pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema in rats.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies assessed baicalin's inhibition of IDLPO in rat brain homogenates.
- In vivo studies evaluated baicalin and deferoxamine's protective effects on brain edema induced by pertussis bacilli in rats.
Main Results:
- Baicalin demonstrated significant inhibition of IDLPO, with potency approximately 20 times higher than deferoxamine.
- Both baicalin and deferoxamine attenuated brain edema, reduced iron content, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in affected brain tissues.
Conclusions:
- Baicalin and deferoxamine offer protective effects against pertussis bacilli-induced brain edema.
- These protective effects are associated with the inhibition of IDLPO, chelation of iron, and activation of CuZn-SOD.
