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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Experimental Models to Study the Neuroprotection of Acidic Postconditioning Against Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: July 31, 2017
Neuroprotection by two polyphenols following excitotoxicity and experimental ischemia
Miroslav Gottlieb1, Rocío Leal-Campanario, María Rosario Campos-Esparza
1Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain.
Abstract:
Brain ischemia induces neuronal loss which is caused in part by excitotoxicity and free radical formation. Here, we report that mangiferin and morin, two antioxidant polyphenols, are neuroprotective in both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemia. Cell death caused by glutamate in neuronal cultures was decreased in the presence of submicromolar concentrations of mangiferin or morin which in turn attenuated receptor-mediated calcium influx, oxidative stress as well as apoptosis. In addition, both antioxidants diminished the generation of free radicals and neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 region due to transient forebrain ischemia in rats when administered after the insult. Importantly, neuroprotection by these antioxidants was functionally relevant since treated-ischemic rats performed significantly better in three hippocampal-dependent behavioral tests. Together, these results indicate that mangiferin and morin have potent neuroprotectant activity which may be of therapeutic value for the treatment of acute neuronal damage and disability.
Insights
Mangiferin and morin, antioxidant polyphenols, protect brain cells from ischemic damage. These compounds reduce neuronal loss and improve cognitive function in animal models, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Brain ischemia leads to neuronal death via excitotoxicity and free radical damage.
- Antioxidant polyphenols are investigated for their neuroprotective potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of mangiferin and morin against ischemia-induced neuronal damage.
- To assess the functional recovery and underlying mechanisms of these antioxidants.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in neuronal cultures.
- In vivo studies involving transient forebrain ischemia in rats.
- Assessment of calcium influx, oxidative stress, apoptosis, free radical generation, neuronal loss, and behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- Mangiferin and morin reduced glutamate-induced cell death, calcium influx, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in vitro.
- Administration of these antioxidants post-ischemia decreased free radical formation and hippocampal CA1 neuronal loss in rats.
- Ischemic rats treated with mangiferin or morin showed improved performance in hippocampal-dependent behavioral tests.
Conclusions:
- Mangiferin and morin exhibit significant neuroprotective activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of brain ischemia.
- These antioxidants mitigate key pathological processes including oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- The observed neuroprotection translates to functional recovery, suggesting therapeutic potential for treating ischemic brain injury and associated disabilities.
