Neuroprotective effect of escitalopram oxalate in rats with chronic hypoperfusion

The neuroprotective effects of escitalopram oxalate in rats with chronic hypoperfusion and the possible mechanism were explored. Chronic hypoperfusion (2-VO) model was prepared and given escitalopram oxalate (experimental group) or PBS (control group) after 6 weeks. Eight weeks after the operation, Morris water maze test was carried out to evaluate the learning and memory ability of the rats. The cell proliferation, three-dimensional vascular distribution, cell morphological changes in ischemic area and the plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected to explore the possible mechanisms. (1) Morris water maze test showed that the escape latency in the experimental group was significantly shorter than in the control group, while the first quadrant swimming time in the experimental group was significantly longer than the control group (both P<0.01). (2) Cerebrovascular confocal detection results showed that the inside diameter of capillaries was significantly less in the experimental group than in the control group; the vascular density was significantly increased in the experimental group and the total area of capillaries was also significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. (3) There was statistically significant difference in BrdU-positive cells in the ischemic brain tissue between the experimental group and the control group (P=0.003<0.01). (4) VEGF concentrations in the plasma and the ischemic area were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). It was concluded that escitalopram oxalate could significantly improve the learning and memory ability of the rats with chronic cerebral ischemia probably by the VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.