ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the activities of ChAT + neurons in subventricular zone (SVZ) after ischemic stroke and their effects on angiogenesis in peri-infarction region and related signaling pathways. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into sham group,middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group and atropine group. Ischemic models were made by permanent coagulation of the distal middle cerebral artery. The expression of ChAT,AChE in SVZ and VEGF,VEGFR2,pERK in peripheral regions of ischemic injury was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. 5-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)/CD31 double-labeled cells were also tested by immunofluorescence. Results At 14 d after the surgery,the ratio of ChAT/AChE in SVZ increased after stroke(P < 0.05). Compared with those in Sham group,the levels of VEGF,VEGFR2 and pERK were higher in MCAO group(P<0.05)and VEGFR2-positive and BrdU/CD31-positive cells increased significantly. However,lower expression of VEGF,VEGFR2 and pERK and less VEGFR2-positive and BrdU/CD31-positive cells were found in atropine group when compared with that in MCAO group. Conclusions The activities of ChAT +neurons in SVZ are enhanced after ischemic injury and they can promote angiogenesis in peripheral region of ischemic injury via upregulating VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling pathway and improving the brain function restoration.