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Induction of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice Using the Distal Middle Artery Occlusion Technique
Published on: December 15, 2023
Possible Anandamide and Palmitoylethanolamide involvement in human stroke
Marcello Naccarato1, Daniela Pizzuti, Stefania Petrosino
1Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, Neurology Unit, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste (TS), Italy. marcello.naccarato@katamail.com
Lipids in Health and Disease
|May 18, 2010
Summary
In acute stroke patients, peripheral anandamide (AEA) levels were elevated. Higher AEA and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels correlated with greater neurological impairment and stroke volume.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid mediators acting on various receptors.
- Animal studies suggest eCB involvement in stroke, but human data is limited.
- This study investigates peripheral eCB levels in acute stroke patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure peripheral endocannabinoid levels in acute ischemic stroke patients.
- To correlate these levels with clinical disability and stroke volume.
- To provide the first human evidence of eCB involvement in stroke pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Ten acute ischemic stroke patients and eight healthy controls were enrolled.
- Blood samples were collected for anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) analysis.
- Neurological impairment (NIHSS, FMSa) and stroke volume were assessed.
Main Results:
- Stroke patients showed significantly higher T0 AEA levels than controls.
- T0 AEA levels correlated inversely with Fugl-Meyer Scale arm scores (FMSa) and positively with stroke volume.
- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) levels correlated with NIHSS scores, while 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels were lower in patients but not significantly.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate elevated peripheral AEA levels in acute stroke patients.
- Findings support a relationship between AEA and PEA levels and neurological impairment severity.
- Results align with prior animal studies, suggesting eCBs as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in stroke.
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