IGF-1 Stereotaxic Injection Induces BDNF Expression After Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a crucial neuroprotective factor in the brain.
• Previous studies indicated reduced IGF-1 and phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT) in the hippocampus of the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) model.
• The interplay between AKT, ERK, and BDNF, and the specific impact of IGF-1 on pAKT and phosphorylated extracellular signal-related protein kinase (pERK) in BCCAO remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of stereotaxic IGF-1 injection on pAKT and pERK levels in a rat BCCAO model.
• To explore the influence of IGF-1 on BDNF expression within the context of cerebral ischemia.

Main Methods:

• The BCCAO model was established by occluding rat carotid arteries.
• IGF-1 was administered stereotaxically to BCCAO rats three hours post-occlusion.
• Western blotting was performed on cerebral cortex and hippocampal tissues collected three days after BCCAO induction.

Main Results:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was elevated in both the cortex and hippocampus three days post-BCCAO.
• Significant differences in the expression of pAKT/AKT and pERK/ERK were observed between BCCAO rats and those treated with IGF-1 in both brain regions.

Conclusions:

• Stereotaxic IGF-1 administration in BCCAO rats promotes BDNF expression in the cortex and hippocampus.
• IGF-1 treatment concurrently enhances pAKT and pERK levels in these brain regions three days after surgery.