Striatal cytomegalic neurons containing nitric oxide are associated with experimental perinatal asphyxia: implication of cold treatment

Neuropathological mechanisms triggered by excitatory aminoacids are Known to involve nitric oxide (NO). Neurons containing NO are histochemically reactive to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), which labels NO synthase in CNS, Sprague-Dawley male rats subjected to perinatal asphyxia (PA) at 37 degreese Celsius, and PA plus 15 degreese Celsius hypothermia were evaluted when 6 months old by NADPH-d histochemical reaction. Computarized image analysis was used for quantification of stained sections. NADPH-d neurons in striatum from subsevere and severe PA showed a significant increment in soma size and dendritic process length versus control and hypothermic treated rats. Post-ischemic damage reurons are therefore involved in NO changes induced by PA that may be prevented by hypothermia treatment.