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Astrocyte Activation in the Hippocampus Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Rat Model: A Pilot Study
Kenji Yoshitani1,2, Takahiro Tadokoro1, Yusuke Nakano1
1Department of Transfusion, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, JPN.
Cureus
|January 15, 2026
Summary
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) activates astrocytes in the hippocampus, a key brain region. This astrocyte activation suggests a neuroinflammatory response following CPB, potentially contributing to delirium after cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Delirium post-cardiac surgery is linked to adverse outcomes.
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may increase neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier permeability.
- While microglial activation is known, astrocyte roles post-CPB are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate astrocyte activation in the hippocampus following CPB.
- To determine if CPB induces a neuroinflammatory response involving astrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either sham procedures or CPB.
- Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to assess astrocyte activation (GFAP).
- Quantification of GFAP-positive area density in the hippocampus was performed.
Main Results:
- Astrocyte activation was observed in the hippocampal CA3 region post-CPB.
- The CPB group showed a significantly higher GFAP-positive area density compared to the sham group (p=0.047).
Conclusions:
- CPB induces astrocyte activation in the hippocampus.
- This activation suggests a neuroinflammatory response mediated by astrocytes after CPB.
