[C-fos protein expression in the parietal cortex and olfactory tubercle in the hypoxic rat brain]

We have attempted to identify which parts of the brain react to ischemic attack using the four-vessel occlusion model in rats.

We have monitored the expression of c-fos protein in the parietal cortex (R3 and T3) and in the olfactory tubercle (R4 and T4), regions which are supplied with blood by different arteries. The four-vessel occlusion was performed using the Pulsinelli's method and rats were divided into two groups: total ischemia (ligation of four blood vessels or coagulation of the vertebral artheries with bilateral ligation of carotid arteries - R group) and transient ischemic attack (ligation of four blood vessels or coagulation of the vertebral arteries with bilateral repeated ligation of carotid arteries - T group of rats, the so-called preconditioned group). Each of these groups had a control group.

The results showed pronounced expression of c-fos neurons in T group of rats which can explain longer survival of neurons. We believe that this model can serve as a good starting point to developing new approaches to the therapy of brain ischemia.