Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Implantation of Miniosmotic Pumps and Delivery of Tract Tracers to Study Brain Reorganization in Pathophysiological Conditions
Published on: January 18, 2016
Epidermal growth factor and growth hormone-releasing peptide-6: combined therapeutic approach in experimental stroke
Diana García Del Barco-Herrera1, Nelvys Subirós Martínez, Rosa María Coro-Antich
1Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Division, Cubanacan, Playa, La Habana, Cuba. diana.garcia@cigb.edu.cu
Purpose:
Stroke is the second cause of mortality worldwide, with a high incidence of disability in survivors. Promising candidate drugs have failed in stroke trials. Combined therapies are attractive strategies that simultaneously target different points of stroke pathophysiology. The aim of this work is to determine whether the combined effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP6) can attenuate clinical signs and pathology in an experimental stroke model.
Methods:
Brain global ischemia was generated in Mongolian gerbils by 15 minutes of carotid occlusion. After reperfusion, EGF, GHRP6 or EGF+GHRP6 were intraperitoneally administered. Clinical manifestations were monitored daily. Three days after reperfusion, animals were anesthetized and perfused with an ink solution. The anatomy of the Circle of Willis was characterized. Infarct volume and neuronal density were analyzed.
Results:
EGF+GHRP6 co-administration reduced clinical manifestations and infarct volume and preserved neuronal density. No correlation was observed between the grade of anastomosis of the Circle of Willis and clinical manifestations in the animals receiving EGF+GHRP6, as opposed to the vehicle-treated gerbils.
Conclusions:
Co-treatment with EGF and GHRP6 affects both the clinical and pathological outcomes in a global brain ischemia model, suggesting a suitable therapeutic approach for the acute management of stroke.
Insights
Combined treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP6) shows promise for stroke recovery. This therapy reduced stroke symptoms and brain damage in an animal model, offering a potential new treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Ischemic Stroke Research
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Existing stroke treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Combined therapies targeting multiple aspects of stroke pathophysiology are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of combined epidermal growth factor (EGF) and growth hormone-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP6) treatment.
- To determine if this combined therapy can reduce clinical signs and neuropathology in an experimental global brain ischemia model.
Main Methods:
- Global brain ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils via carotid occlusion.
- Animals received intraperitoneal administration of EGF, GHRP6, or EGF+GHRP6 post-reperfusion.
- Clinical signs, infarct volume, neuronal density, and Circle of Willis anatomy were assessed.
Main Results:
- Co-administration of EGF and GHRP6 significantly reduced clinical manifestations of stroke.
- Combined treatment led to a decrease in infarct volume and preservation of neuronal density.
- No correlation was found between Circle of Willis anastomosis and clinical outcomes in the EGF+GHRP6 group.
Conclusions:
- Combined EGF and GHRP6 treatment positively impacts both clinical and pathological outcomes in global brain ischemia.
- This combination therapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for acute stroke management.
- Further research into this combined approach for stroke is warranted.
