Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
08:27
The Application Of Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Ligation in the Mouse
Published on: July 25, 2011
19.6K
Annexin A5 derived from lung alleviates brain damage after ischemic stroke
Jiaxin Hu1, Jiaqi Guo2, Chuanjie Wu2
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
Brain Research
|October 31, 2024
Summary
Annexin A5, a protein found in lung tissue, may protect the brain after ischemic stroke. Increased Annexin A5 levels in the brain correlate with reduced stroke damage and improved neurological function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a major global health concern causing disability and death.
- Brain-organ crosstalk after neurological injury is recognized but poorly understood.
- Specific mediators of this communication remain largely unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Annexin A5 in ischemic stroke.
- To explore the potential neuroprotective function of Annexin A5 originating from lung tissue.
- To evaluate Annexin A5 as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Plasma Annexin A5 levels were measured in human stroke patients and healthy controls.
- Annexin A5 expression and localization were analyzed in mouse models of ischemic stroke.
- The effect of Annexin A5 administration and inhibition on stroke outcomes was assessed in mice.
- Annexin A5 levels were correlated with disease severity in patients with ischemic stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Main Results:
- Plasma Annexin A5 levels were elevated in stroke patients compared to controls.
- In mice, Annexin A5 increased in the brain and decreased in the lung post-stroke.
- Annexin A5 was found to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- Recombinant Annexin A5 reduced stroke infarct volume and improved neurological function in mice.
- Anti-Annexin A5 antibodies worsened stroke outcomes.
- Lower plasma Annexin A5 levels were observed in stroke patients with co-existing lung disease and in severe COPD patients.
Conclusions:
- Annexin A5 plays a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke, potentially originating from the lung.
- Increased Annexin A5 may mitigate brain injury and improve neurological function after stroke.
- Annexin A5 shows promise as a therapeutic candidate for ischemic stroke treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...