Multidimensional analysis of selected bioelements in rat's brain subjected to stroke procedure and treatment with H₂S...

A stroke is characterized by a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain. According to WHO statistics, stroke is the second most common cause of death. Its pathophysiology involves complex mechanisms: oxidative stress, inflammation, cytotoxicity and neuronal cell death. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats is commonly used to study the pathophysiology of stroke, as well as the efficacy of therapeutic strategies e.g. application of H₂S donors.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of minerals (Mg, Na, K), and trace elements (Fe, Cu, and Zn) in rats brain undergoing stroke procedure in the dorsal striatum (ischemic core) and prefrontal cortex (penumbra). We also investigate the application of AP-39 on the levels of above-mentioned minerals and trace elements.

Using the MCAO rat model, the impact of stroke and treatment with 100 nmol/kg b.m. i.v. of AP-39 was examined on minerals and trace elements levels, determined by F-AAS and F-AES methods. Results were analyzed using multidimensional statistical analysis (chemometric techniques).

Iron, magnesium, and zinc are the most important bioelements whose concentration changes in both investigated structures were associated with stroke symptoms. The concentrations of zinc and copper showed opposing trend. The application of AP-39 mainly affected the potassium level. In the stroke structure (DS) dosage of AP-39 decreased the potassium level and in non-stroke structure AP-39 increased potassium levels.

Stroke and AP-39 treatment significantly altered bioelement concentrations. The bioelements most susceptible to changes under MCAO procedures were zinc, iron and magnesium.