Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin in Original Rectal Suppositories in Experimental Acute Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

We studied the effect of melatonin in the original rectal suppositories on neurological status, microcirculation, and morphology of focal ischemic infarction in experimental acute cerebral ischemia modeled using the Chen technique (simultaneous diathermocoagulation of cerebral pial vessels in the posterior parts of the left frontal lobe and the anterior parts of the left parietal lobe). The animals of the experimental groups were administered either original rectal suppositories weighing 100 mg containing 2.5 mg of melatonin or a citicoline solution of 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 7 days. The neurological status was the Garcia and limb-placing test scores, microcirculation, and morphological parameters of the lesion on days 3 and 7. The use of original rectal suppositories reduced neurological deficits, increased the Garcia and limb-placing test scores, decreased the area of focal ischemic infarction, number of chromatolysis neurons, shadow cells, and an increase in the number of intact neurons and small vessels. The effects of original rectal suppositories with melatonin were significantly more pronounced than the effects of citicoline solution. The positive effect of melatonin in experimental acute cerebral ischemia was determined by its angiogenetic (formation of new blood vessels) and reparative (recovery of damaged neurons) effects.