家兔自发性蛛网膜下腔出血早期脑损伤模型的初步研究

目的:建立一种可重复的、有典型神经损伤症状的自发性蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)动物模型,为研究蛛网膜下腔出血后早期脑损伤(EBI)的机制提供可靠的动物模型。方法:选用新西兰大耳白兔60只,随机分为实验组、对照组、空白组。采用枕大池穿刺一次注入自体动脉血法建立SAH模型。在4h、8h、12h、24h、48h、72 h时间点,观察比较行为学与脑组织形态学的变化。结果:(1)实验组枕大池和蛛网膜下腔内发现大量的血凝块和血液。(2)实验组光镜下可观察到蛛网膜下腔大量红细胞,神经元细胞水肿,电镜下可见胶质细胞空泡样改变,神经元细胞线粒体肿胀,髓鞘内存在空泡和板层分离现象。(3)实验组造模后均出现明显的神经系统损伤,对照组4h出现典型神经系统损伤表现,12h后恢复正常,空白组未见神经系统损伤表现。结论:枕大池一次注血法是一种简便、可重复的症状性自发性蛛网膜下腔出血早期脑损伤模型,适宜于研究早期脑损伤的致病机制。     

Enhanced myogenic tone in cerebral arteries from a rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral artery vasospasm is a major cause of death and disability in patients experiencing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Currently, little is known regarding the impact of SAH on small diameter (100-200 microm) cerebral arteries, which play an important role in the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow. With the use of a rabbit SAH model and in vitro video microscopy, cerebral artery diameter was measured in response to elevations in intravascular pressure. Cerebral arteries from SAH animals constricted more (approximately twofold) to pressure within the physiological range of 60-100 mmHg compared with control or sham-operated animals. Pressure-induced constriction (myogenic tone) was also enhanced in arteries from control animals organ cultured in the presence of oxyhemoglobin, an effect independent of the vascular endothelium or nitric oxide synthesis. Finally, arteries from both control and SAH animals dilated as intravascular pressure was elevated above 140 mmHg. This study provides evidence for a role of oxyhemoglobin in impaired autoregulation (i.e., enhanced myogenic tone) in small diameter cerebral arteries during SAH. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies that improve clinical outcome in SAH patients (e.g., supraphysiological intravascular pressure) are effective in dilating small diameter cerebral arteries isolated from SAH animals.     

蛛网膜下腔出血对大鼠脑血流量和体感诱发电位的影响

目的：探讨蛛网膜下腔出血（ＳＡＨ）后脑血流量、体感诱发电位（ＳＥＰ）潜伏期的改变及其与一氧化氮（ＮＯ）的关系。方法：对假手术对照组和ＳＡＨ模型组大鼠检测２４ｈ局部脑血流量（ｒＣＢＦ）、ＳＥＰ潜伏期和血清及脑组织ＮＯ含量动态变化。结果：非开颅刺破Ｗｉｌｌｉｓ环的方法可成功地诱发ＳＡＨ。ＳＡＨ后ｒＣＢＦ立即降低,在２４ｈ内无恢复趋势。ＳＥＰ潜伏期于ＳＡＨ后１ｈ开始至２４ｈ明显延长。血清和脑组织ＮＯ含量     

家兔自发性蛛网膜下腔出血早期脑损伤模型的初步研究

目的：建立一种可重复的、有典型神经损伤症状的自发性蛛网膜下腔出血（sAH）动物模型,为研究蛛网膜下腔出血后早期脑损伤（EBI）的机制提供可靠的动物模型。方法：选用新西兰大耳白兔60只,随机分为实验组、对照组、空白组。采用枕大池穿刺一次注入自体动脉血法建立SAH模型。在4h、8h、12h、24h、48h、72h时间点,观察比较行为学与脑组织形态学的变化。结果：（1）实验组枕大池和蛛网膜下腔内发现大量的血凝块和血液。（2）实验组光镜下可观察到蛛网膜下腔大量红细胞,神经元细胞水肿,电镜下可见胶质细胞空泡样改变,神经元细胞线粒体肿胀,髓鞘内存在空泡和板层分离现象。（3）实验组造模后均出现明显的神经系统损伤,对照组4h出现典型神经系统损伤表现,12h后恢复正常,空白组未见神经系统损伤表现。结论：枕大池一次注血法是一种简便、可重复的症状性自发性蛛网膜下腔出血早期脑损伤模型,适宜于研究早期脑损伤的致病机制。     

甲状腺素对动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血大鼠脑缺氧诱导因子-1α表达的影响及其机制*

目的:探讨甲状腺素(T4)对动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血后大鼠脑缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达的调节及其机制。方法:72只雄性成年SD大鼠随机分为以下4组:蛛网膜下腔出血模型组(SAH)(n=18)、蛛网膜下腔出血+甲状腺素组(SAH+T4)(n=18)、蛛网膜下腔出血+溶剂组(SAH+溶剂组)(n=18)、假手术组(n=18)。颈内动脉穿刺法建立蛛网膜下腔出血的模型,术后行颅脑CT平扫,建模后立即开始给药,按3 μg/100 g腹腔注射,每隔24 h一次,连续3 d,SAH+T4组予甲状腺素干预,SAH+溶剂组予等体积溶剂干预,均在建模后72 h处死;各组6只大鼠经多聚甲醛灌注处死后石蜡包埋切片行免疫组化染色检测HIF-1α及p-Akt蛋白、6只用TUNEL法检测凋亡,6只用干湿重法做脑水肿含量检测。结果:建模成功后SAH组及SAH+T4组、SAH+溶剂组大鼠的脑组织肿胀明显,蛛网膜下腔可见暗红色血凝块。SAH组神经行为学评分、脑含水量、凋亡率、HIF-1α蛋白、p-Akt蛋白均较假手术组明显增高(P＜0.05);SAH+T4组神经行为学评分、HIF-1α蛋白、p-Akt蛋白均较SAH组明显增高,其脑含水量、凋亡均较SAH组明显减少(P＜0.05)。结论:使用T4替代治疗可以上调动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血后大鼠脑HIF-1α蛋白表达水平,可能是通过激活三磷酸肌醇激酶／蛋白激酶B(PI3K/Akt)信号通路,使凋亡率减小,最终大鼠行为学得以改善,对大鼠脑产生保护作用。     

Participation of Lipoxygenase Products from Arachidonic Acid in the Pathogenesis of Cerebral Vasospasm

To examine the possible involvement of lipoxygenase products from arachidonic acid in the pathogenesis of delayed vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we measured the contents of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) in the subarachnoid clot, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the basilar artery, using the canine "two-hemorrhage" model. Lipoxygenase activity in the subarachnoid clot and the basilar artery was measured, ex vivo, using samples obtained 7 days after SAH. For a quantitative analysis of HETEs, each sample was homogenized with either ice-cold saline or methanol. The lipid extract was then submitted to reverse-phase HPLC. The identity of each HETE was further confirmed using straight-phase HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. When the basilar artery was homogenized with ice-cold saline, a significant increase in the 5-HETE content was observed on SAH day 8. However, when the artery was homogenized with methanol, HETEs were not detected. In the case of incubation in the presence of arachidonic acid and calcium ionophore A23187, the 5-lipoxygenase activity was remarkably increased in the basilar artery exposed to SAH, compared to that of normal dogs. The subarachnoid clot contained a significant amount of 12-HETE (average 1.8 nmol/g wet weight) from day 2 to day 8. The administration of 1,2-bis(nicotinamido)propane significantly ameliorated vasospasm in the two-hemorrhage model, simultaneously inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase activity of the basilar artery. Our observations show that the activities of 12- and 5-lipoxygenases are significantly increased after SAH in the subarachnoid clot and the basilar artery, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

TRAF3 mediates neuronal apoptosis in early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage via targeting TAK1-dependent MAPKs and NF-κB pathways

Neuronal apoptosis has an important role in early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). TRAF3 was reported as a promising therapeutic target for stroke management, which covered several neuronal apoptosis signaling cascades. Hence, the present study is aimed to determine whether downregulation of TRAF3 could be neuroprotective in SAH-induced EBI. An in vivo SAH model in mice was established by endovascular perforation. Meanwhile, primary cultured cortical neurons of mice treated with oxygen hemoglobin were applied to mimic SAH in vitro. Our results demonstrated that TRAF3 protein expression increased and expressed in neurons both in vivo and in vitro SAH models. TRAF3 siRNA reversed neuronal loss and improved neurological deficits in SAH mice, and reduced cell death in SAH primary neurons. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF3 directly binds to TAK1 and potentiates phosphorylation and activation of TAK1, which further enhances the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways to induce neuronal apoptosis. Importantly, TRAF3 expression was elevated following SAH in human brain tissue and was mainly expressed in neurons. Taken together, our study demonstrates that TRAF3 is an upstream regulator of MAPKs and NF-κB pathways in SAH-induced EBI via its interaction with and activation of TAK1. Furthermore, the TRAF3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target in SAH-induced EBI.Subject terms: Apoptosis, Neuro-vascular interactions     

Integrated analysis of gait parameters and gene expression profiles in a murine model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Gait analysis has been widely used to examine the behavioral presentation of numerous neurological disorders. Thorough murine model evaluation of the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-associated gait deficits is missing. This study measures gait deficits using a clinically relevant murine model of SAH to examine associations between gait variability and SAH-associated gene expressions. A total of 159 dynamic and static gait parameters from the endovascular perforation murine model for simulating clinical human SAH were determined using the CatWalk system. Eighty gait parameters and the mRNA expression levels of 35 of the 88 SAH-associated genes were differentially regulated in the diseased models. Totals of 42 and 38 gait parameters correlated with the 35 SAH-associated genes positively and negatively with Pearson's correlation coefficients of >0.7 and <−0.7, respectively. p-SP1⁴⁵³ expression in the motor cortex in SAH animal models displays a significant correlation with a subset of gait parameters associated with muscular strength and coordination of limb movements. Our data highlights a strong correlation between gait variability and SAH-associated gene expression. p-SP1⁴⁵³ expression could act as a biomarker to monitor SAH pathological development and a therapeutic target for SAH.     

Endothelin-1 induces contraction of human and Australian possum gallbladder in vitro

This study examined the role of the renin-angiotensin and vasopressin systems on systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in conscious rats. Animals received no treatment, the angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan, or the vascular vasopressin receptor antagonist, AVPX. SAH resulted in a transient sympathetic activation as estimated from the increase in the mid-frequency oscillations of SBP (3.2 +/- 0.8 mm Hg2, 3 hours after the injury vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3 mm Hg2 in control conditions, p < 0.01). On the second and fourth day following SAH, a marked elevation in the low-frequency component of SBP was observed (7.1 +/- 1.0 mm Hg2 on day 2 vs. 2.6 +/- 0.3 mm Hg2 in control conditions, p < 0.001 and 6.3 +/- 1.1 mm Hg2 on day 4 vs. 2.6 +/- 0.3 mm Hg2 in control conditions, p < 0.01). Pre-treatment with losartan prevented the acute rise in the mid-frequency oscillations in SBP and partially reduced the low-frequency component observed at 2 and 4 days. Administration of AVPX on the second and fourth day following SAH normalised the elevated low-frequency oscillations in SBP. This study indicates that the modifications in SBP variability observed in the early and delayed stage after subarachnoid haemorrhage involve angiotensin II. Vasopressin seems to be implicated in the delayed development of low-frequency fluctuations of SBP.     

Detection of Gnathostoma spinigerum Antibodies in Sera of Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients in Thailand

Gnathostoma spinigerum can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The detection of specific antibodies in serum against G. spinigerum antigen is helpful for diagnosis of neurognathostomiasis. There is limited data on the frequency of G. spinigerum infection in non-traumatic SAH. A series of patients diagnosed as non-traumatic SAH at the Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand between January 2011 and January 2013 were studied. CT or MR imaging of the brain was used for diagnosis of SAH. Patients were categorized as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (A-SAH) or non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (NA-SAH) according to the results of cerebral angiograms. The presence of specific antibodies in serum against 21- or 24-kDa G. spinigerum antigen was determined using the immunoblot technique. The detection rate of antibodies was compared between the 2 groups. Of the 118 non-traumatic SAH patients for whom cerebral angiogram and immunoblot data were available, 80 (67.8%) patients had A-SAH, whereas 38 (32.2%) had NA-SAH. Overall, 23.7% were positive for specific antibodies against 21- and/or 24-kDa G. spinigerum antigen. No significant differences were found in the positive rate of specific antibodies against G. spinigerum in both groups (P-value=0.350).     

Enhanced Therapeutic Potential of Nano-Curcumin Against Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Through Inhibition of Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress

Curcumin and nano-curcumin both exhibit neuroprotective effects in early brain injury (EBI) after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the mechanism that whether curcumin and its nanoparticles affect the blood–brain barrier (BBB) following SAH remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of curcumin and the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-encapsulated curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) on BBB disruption and evaluated the possible mechanism underlying BBB dysfunction in EBI using the endovascular perforation rat SAH model. The results indicated that Cur-NPs showed enhanced therapeutic effects than that of curcumin in improving neurological function, reducing brain water content, and Evans blue dye extravasation after SAH. Mechanically, Cur-NPs attenuated BBB dysfunction after SAH by preventing the disruption of tight junction protein (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5). Cur-NPs also up-regulated glutamate transporter-1 and attenuated glutamate concentration of cerebrospinal fluid following SAH. Moreover, inhibition of inflammatory response and microglia activation both contributed to Cur-NPs’ protective effects. Additionally, Cur-NPs markedly suppressed SAH-mediated oxidative stress and eventually reversed SAH-induced cell apoptosis in rats. Our findings revealed that the strategy of using Cur-NPs could be a promising way in improving neurological function in EBI after experimental rat SAH.     

Pharmacological Inhibition of PERK Attenuates Early Brain Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats Through the Activation of Akt

Neuronal apoptosis is a central pathological process in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was reported to have a vital role in the pathophysiology of neuronal apoptosis in the brain. The present study was designed to investigate the potential effects of ER stress and its downstream signals in early brain injury after SAH. One hundred thirty-four rats were subjected to an endovascular perforation model of SAH. The RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) inhibitor GSK2606414 and the Akt inhibitor MK2206 were injected intracerebroventricularly. SAH grade, neurologic scores, and brain water content were measured 72 h after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Expression of PERK and its downstream signals, Akt, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, were examined using Western blot analysis. Specific cell types that expressed PERK were detected with double immunofluorescence staining. Neuronal cell death was demonstrated with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Our results showed that the expression of p-PERK and its downstream targets, p-eIF2α and ATF4, increased after SAH and peaked at 72 h after SAH. PERK was expressed mostly in neurons. The inhibition of PERK with GSK2606414 reduced p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and ATF4 expression. Furthermore, GSK2606414 treatment increased p-Akt levels and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio as well as decreased cleaved caspase-3 expression and neuronal death, thereby improving neurological deficits at 72 h after SAH. The selective Akt inhibitor MK2206 abolished the beneficial effects of GSK2606414. PERK, the major transducer of ER stress, is involved in neuronal apoptosis after SAH. The inhibition of PERK reduces early brain injury via Akt-related anti-apoptosis pathways. PERK may serve as a promising target for future therapeutic intervention.     

Ethyl Pyruvate Attenuates Early Brain Injury Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Endovascular Perforation Rabbit Model Possibly Via Anti-inflammation and Inhibition of JNK Signaling Pathway

Early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the main cause to poor outcomes of SAH patients, and early inflammation plays an important role in the acute pathophysiological events. It has been demonstrated that ethyl pyruvate (EP) has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in various critical diseases, however, the role of EP on EBI following SAH remains to be elucidated. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of EP on EBI following SAH in the endovascular perforation rabbit model. All rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham, SAH?+?Vehicle (equal volume) and SAH?+?EP (30?mg/kg/day). MRI was performed to estimate the reliability of the EBI at 24 and 72?h after SAH. Neurological scores were recorded to evaluate the neurological deficit, ELISA kit was used to measure the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and western blot was used to detect the expression of TNF-α, tJNK, pJNK, bax and bcl-2 at 24 and 72?h after SAH. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Fluoro-jade B (FJB) staining were used to detect neuronal apoptosis and neurodegeneration respectively, meanwhile hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess the degree of vasospasm. Our results demonstrated that EP alleviated brain tissue injury (characterized by diffusion weighted imaging and T2 sequence in MRI scan), and significantly improved neurological scores at 72?h after SAH. EP decreased the level of TNF-α and downregulated pJNK/tJNK and bax/bcl-2 in cerebral cortex and hippocampus effectively both at 24 and 72?h after SAH. Furthermore, EP reduced TUNEL and FJB positive cells significantly. In conclusion, the present study supported that EP afforded neuroprotective effects possibly via reducing TNF-α expression and inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway. Therefore, EP may be a potent therapeutic agent to attenuate EBI following SAH.     

Cerebral salt wasting in subarachnoid hemorrhage rats: model, mechanism, and tool

Cerebral salt wasting (CSW) frequently occurs concomitantly with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). CSW induces excessive natriuresis and osmotic diuresis, and reduces total blood volume. As a result, the risk of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm may be elevated. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanism of CSW. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the rat SAH model exhibits CSW and to investigate the relationship between CSW and natriuretic peptides. A SAH model was produced in 24 rats by perforating a cerebral artery with a nylon thread up through the common carotid artery. To evaluate CSW, urine was cumulatively collected from SAH onset to 12 hours and sodium (Na) excretion was analyzed. Body weight and hematocrit were analyzed before and after SAH onset. Concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in plasma were also analyzed. Urine volume and total Na excretion of SAH rats were significantly higher than those of sham rats (p<0.05). Body weight of SAH rats significantly decreased and hematocrit significantly increased (p < 0.05). ANP concentration was significantly decreased in SAH rats (p<0.05). However, BNP concentrations did not change. This study demonstrated for the first time that a rat SAH model exhibited CSW. It was suggested that the cause of CSW was neither ANP nor BNP. In addition, this rat SAH model will be useful for study of CSW after SAH.     

Time course of production of hydroxyl free radical after subarachnoid hemorrhage in dogs

Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with lipid peroxidation. However, lipid peroxides increase in a delayed fashion after SAH and may be a byproduct of but not a cause of vasospasm. This study correlated vasospasm with hydroxyl free radical and lipid peroxide levels. 24 dogs had baseline cerebral angiography and induction of SAH by 2 injections of blood into the cisterna magna at baseline and 2 days later. Angiography was repeated 4, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days after the first injection (n = 4 per group) and a microdialysis catheter was inserted into the premedullary cistern. Control dogs (n = 4) underwent angiography and microdialysis but not SAH. Salicylic acid, 100 mg/kg, was administered intravenously, and microdialysis fluid was collected and analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography for 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids (DHBA). Malondialdehyde was measured in subarachnoid clot removed from the prepontine cistern and in the basilar artery itself at the time of euthanasia. Significant vasospasm developed 4 to 14 days after SAH. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly elevated in the basilar artery and subarachnoid clot 4 days after SAH (p < 0.0001, ANOVA) but not at other times. 2,5-DHBA levels were significantly greater than control at 4 to 14 days and they peaked at 4 days (p < 0.05, ANOVA). 2,3-DHBA was significantly increased at 4 days after SAH (p < 0.05, ANOVA). There were significant correlations between basilar artery malondialdehyde levels and vasospasm and cerebrospinal fluid 2,5-DHBA levels and vasospasm. These results suggest the presence of hydroxyl free radical after SAH and demonstrate a correlation between such production, as measured by trapping with salicylate, and the early phase of vasospasm. The correlation with vasospasm implicates free radicals and lipid peroxidation in this phase of vasospasm.     

The role and therapeutic potential of heat shock proteins in haemorrhagic stroke

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced after haemorrhagic stroke, which includes subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Most of these proteins function as neuroprotective molecules to protect cerebral neurons from haemorrhagic stroke and as markers to indicate cellular stress or damage. The most widely studied HSPs in SAH are HSP70, haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), HSP20 and HSP27. The subsequent pathophysiological changes following SAH can be divided into two stages: early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischaemia, both of which determine the outcome for patients. Because the mechanisms of HSPs in SAH are being revealed and experimental models in animals are continually maturing, new agents targeting HSPs with limited side effects have been suggested to provide therapeutic potential. For instance, some pharmaceutical agents can block neuronal apoptosis signals or dilate cerebral vessels by modulating HSPs. HO‐1 and HSP70 are also critical topics for ICH research, which can be attributed to their involvement in pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic potential. However, the process of HO‐1 metabolism can be toxic owing to iron overload and the activation of succedent pathways, for example, the Fenton reaction and oxidative damage; the overall effect of HO‐1 in SAH and ICH tends to be protective and harmful, respectively, given the different pathophysiological changes in these two types of haemorrhagic stroke. In the present study, we focus on the current understanding of the role and therapeutic potential of HSPs involved in haemorrhagic stroke. Therefore, HSPs may be potential therapeutic targets, and new agents targeting HSPs are warranted.     

Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats: Comparison of Two Endovascular Perforation Techniques with Respect to Success Rate,Confounding Pathologies and Early Hippocampal Tissue Lesion Pattern

Recently aside from the “classic” endovascular monofilament perforation technique to induce experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) a modification using a tungsten wire advanced through a guide tube has been described. We aim to assess both techniques for their success rate (induction of SAH without confounding pathologies) as primary endpoint. Further, the early tissue lesion pattern as evidence for early brain injury will be analyzed as secondary endpoint. Sprague Dawley rats (n=39) were randomly assigned to receive either Sham surgery (n=4), SAH using the “classic” technique (n=18) or using a modified technique (n=17). Course of intracranial pressure (ICP) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was analyzed; subsequent pathologies were documented either 6 or 24 h after SAH. Hippocampal tissue samples were analyzed via immunohistochemistry and western blotting. SAH-induction, regardless of confounding pathologies, was independent from type of technique (p=0.679). There was no significant difference concerning case fatality rate (classic: 40%; modified: 20%; p=0.213). Successful induction of SAH without collateral ICH or SDH was possible in 40% with the classic and in 86.7% with the modified technique (p=0.008). Peak ICP levels differed significantly between the two groups (classic: 94 +/- 23 mmHg; modified: 68 +/- 19 mmHg; p=0.003). Evidence of early cellular stress response and activation of apoptotic pathways 6 h after SAH was demonstrated. The extent of stress response is not dependent on type of technique. Both tested techniques successfully produce SAH including activation of an early stress response and apoptotic pathways in the hippocampal tissue. However, the induction of SAH with less confounding pathologies was more frequently achieved with the modified tungsten wire technique.     

Alterations of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channel Currents in Basilar Artery Smooth Muscle Cells at Early Stage of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rabbit Model

Objective

To investigate the changes in the currents of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) in smooth muscle cells of basilar artery in a rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: sham (C), normal (N), 24 hours (S1), 48 hours (S2) and 72 hours (S3) after SAH. Non-heparinized autologous arterial blood (1ml/kg) was injected into the cisterna magna to create SAH after intravenous anesthesia, and 1 ml/kg of saline was injected into cisterna magna in the sham group. Rabbits in group N received no injections. Basilar artery in S1, S2, S3 group were isolated at 24, 48, 72 hours after SAH. Basilar artery in group C was isolated at 72 hours after physiological saline injection. Basilar artery smooth muscle cells were isolated for all groups. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was utilized to record cell membrane capacitance and VDCCs currents. The VDCCs antagonist nifedipine was added to the bath solution to block the Ca⁺⁺ channels currents.

Results

There were no significant differences in the number of cells isolated, the cell size and membrane capacitance among all the five groups. VDCC currents in the S1–S3 groups had higher amplitudes than those in control and sham groups. The significant change of current amplitude was observed at 72 hours after SAH, which was higher than those of 24 and 48 hours. The VDCCs were shown to expression in human artery smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

The changes of activation characteristics and voltage-current relationship at 72 hours after SAH might be an important event which leads to a series of molecular events in the microenvironment of the basilar artery smooth muscle cells. This may be the key time point for potential therapeutic intervention against subarachnoid hemorrhage.     

Long-Lasting Cerebral Vasospasm,Microthrombosis, Apoptosis and Paravascular Alterations Associated with Neurological Deficits in a Mouse Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease with high mortality and morbidity. Long-term cognitive and sensorimotor deficits are serious complications following SAH but still not well explained and described in mouse preclinical models. The aim of our study is to characterize a well-mastered SAH murine model and to establish developing pathological mechanisms leading to cognitive and motor deficits, allowing identification of specific targets involved in these long-term troubles. We hereby demonstrate that the double blood injection model of SAH induced long-lasting large cerebral artery vasospasm (CVS), microthrombosis formation and cerebral brain damage including defect in potential paravascular diffusion. These neurobiological alterations appear to be associated with sensorimotor and cognitive dysfunctions mainly detected 10 days after the bleeding episode. In conclusion, this characterized model of SAH in mice, stressing prolonged neurobiological pathological mechanisms and associated sensitivomotor deficits, will constitute a validated preclinical model to better decipher the link between CVS, long-term cerebral apoptosis and cognitive disorders occurring during SAH and to allow investigating novel therapeutic approaches in transgenic mice.     

Pentoxifylline Alleviates Early Brain Injury After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats: Possibly via Inhibiting TLR 4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) generally causes significant and lasting damage. Pentoxifylline (PTX), a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in several brain injury models, but the role of PTX with respect to EBI following SAH remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PTX on EBI after SAH in rats. Adult male Sprauge–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the sham and SAH groups. PTX (30 or 60 mg/kg) or an equal volume of the administration vehicle (normal saline) was administrated at 30 min intervals following SAH. Neurological scores, brain edema, and neural cell apoptosis were evaluated. In order to explore other mechanisms, changes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, in terms of the levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, were also investigated. We found that administration of PTX (60 mg/kg) notably improved neurological function and decreased brain edema at both 24 and 72 h following SAH. Treatment with PTX (60 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the protein expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, MyD88 and the downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). PTX also significantly reduced neural cell death and BBB permeability. Our observations may be the first time that PTX has been shown to play a neuroprotective role in EBI after SAH, potentially by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB inflammation-related pathway in the rat brain.