RESUMO
Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSM) in rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and to explore the mechanism. Methods Rats were divided into Sham group, MCAO group, DZSM group, carbenoxolone (CBX) group and DZSM + CBX group. Each group was assessed for neurological function , infarct volume and the expression of Caspase-3 48 h after reperfusion. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression of MCAO group was detected 3, 12, 24, 48 h after reperfusion. Results There were lower neurological deficit scores , infarct volume and the expression of Caspase-3 in DZSM , CBX and DZSM + CBX group 48 h after reperfusion when compared with those in MCAO group (P < 0.05) but Cx43 expression level in each group increased after reperfusion at each time point (P < 0.05). Expression of Cx43 was lower in DZSM, CBX and DZSM + CBX group than that in MCAO group (P < 0.05). Lower expression of Cx43 was also seen in CBX and DZSM + CBX group when compared with that in DZSM group (P < 0.05). Conclusion DZSM capsule can improve neurological function , reduce infarct volume and inhibit the expression of Caspase-3. The mechanism may be related to its inhibition of Cx43 expression.