Abstract:

Abstract:Objective  To observe the neuroprotective effect of Neanthes japonica (Izuka) fibrinolytic enzyme (NJF) on rat models of focal cerebral ischemia and to explore its mechanism.Methods  60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham　operated group, model group, NJF treatment groups (0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mg/kg, respectively) and Urokinase group (UK, 15 000 U/kg ).The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was produced by intraluminal suture method. The neurological deficits score was measured 24 h after the operation, the cerebral infarction was detected by TTC staining, the brain water content was determined by wet and dry weights, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured by chemical colorimetric assay.Results  Compared with model group, the neurological deficits scores of rats in all NJF groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the cerebral infarction area was significantly reduced (P<0.001), the brain water contents were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the MDA levels were decreased (P<0.001) and the SOD activities were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) significantly in hippocampus of the cerebral ischemia rats.There were no significant differences in the cerebral infarction area and the brain water content of rats between   0.50 mg/kg  NJF group and   15 000 U/kg UK group.Conclusion  NJF posseses neuroprotection for MCAO and reperfusion model rat.The neuroprotection of NJF may be related to inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing the activities of endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes.

Key words: Neanthes japonica (Izuka), fibrinolytic enzyme, middle cerebral artery, neuroprotection, focal cerebral ischemia, rats,Wistar