Continual Gram-negative bacterial challenge accelerates stroke onset in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study examined the effects of continual Gram-negative bacterial challenge on stroke onset. Stroke onset occurred significantly earlier in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) injected with a bacterial cell suspension of Gram-negative rods or lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) than in uninjected controls. Paralysis of the hindlimb, piloerection, hypokinesis, and hyperkinesis were observed in LPS-injected SHRSP but not in uninjected controls during stroke onset. The serum levels of NOx, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine increased in LPS-injected SHRSP. These results suggest that continual Gram-negative bacterial challenge induces accelerated stroke onset in SHRSP, probably caused by oxidative stress responses derived from LPSs.