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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Quantification of Neurovascular Protection Following Repetitive Hypoxic Preconditioning and Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Mice
Published on: May 4, 2015
Time-dependent expression of neural oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in ischemic stroke using a transient MCAO
Ola Habotta1, Ahmed Abdeen2, Basma M Hendam3
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt. ola_ali@mans.edu.eg.
Abstract:
Ischemic stroke is globally acknowledged as a prominent reason for disability and mortalities. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and autophagy have been implicated in its pathogenesis. A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in male rats was conducted for this investigation and the brain cortex was sampled taken after at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of IRI. The results revealed time-dependent decreases in cortical GSH with rises in MDA and NO levels. Additionally, marked upregulations of inflammatory cytokines were observed and increased as time progressed. Besides, significant upregulations in TLR4, GFAP, Iba-1, and BDNF mRNA expressions were noticed along with increases in the P62 and decreases in LC3 immune expression levels. The pathological findings of cerebral sections showed vacuolations in the neuropil, perivascular edema, and shrinkage of neurons which also increased gradually by time. Taken together, these biomarkers could be reliable indicators for determination of time elapsed after IRI.
Insights
This study identifies key biomarkers in rat brain tissue after ischemic stroke. These indicators, including oxidative stress and inflammation markers, can help determine the time elapsed since ischemic reperfusion injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
- Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and autophagy are critical in stroke pathogenesis.
- Understanding the temporal progression of ischemic stroke is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time-dependent changes in biochemical and molecular markers following ischemic stroke.
- To identify reliable biomarkers for determining the time elapsed after ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI).
Main Methods:
- A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used in male rats.
- Brain cortex samples were collected at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-occlusion.
- Biochemical assays, mRNA expression analysis, and histopathological examination were performed.
Main Results:
- Time-dependent changes observed: decreased glutathione (GSH), increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO).
- Upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, TLR4, GFAP, Iba-1, and BDNF mRNA.
- Increased P62 and decreased LC3 immune expression, alongside neuropathological changes like vacuolations and neuronal shrinkage.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers such as GSH, MDA, NO, inflammatory cytokines, and specific protein expressions correlate with time post-ischemic stroke.
- These markers provide a reliable method for estimating the time elapsed after ischemic reperfusion injury.
