Changes of macrophages and microglias in white matter damage and effects of allopurinol in premature rats / 复旦学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective The aim of this study was designed to investigate the changes of macrophages and activated microglias in white matter damage (WMD) in premature infants and effects of allopurinol. Methods An animal model for WMD was established by bilateral carotid artery occulation (BCAO). Forty-two newborn SD rats (1 day old) were divided randomly into 3 groups sham surgery group (Sham), BCAO group (BCAO) and allopurinol treated group (ALLO). Pathological changes were studied 7 days and 14 days after BCAO, respectively. Macrophages and activated microglias were detected by immunohistochemistry 7 days and 14 days after BCAO, respectively. Results In BCAO group, Ten cases had mild or severe rarefaction in the corpus callosum area, especially at the cingulum. Pathological changes of white matter were found in 4 cases in internal capsule. Eight cases had subcortex white matter rarefaction. The extent of white matter rarefaction in ALLO group was reduced significantly. Enlargement of bilateral ventricles was found in 6 of 8 cases in BCAO group. Compared to BCAD group [(3.27±0.73)%] the average ventricle size was reduced significantly in ALLO group [(2.44±0.71)%] (P<0.05). ED1 positive cells were found in corpus callosum,hippocampus, and internal capsule in all groups. BCAO group had more ED1 positive cells than the other two groups, and the staining extent in BCAO group was stronger than that in the other two groups. Conclusions BCAO could be used in newborn rats (1 day old) to establish a premature WMD animal model. Macrophages and microglias may play an important role in premature WMD. ALLO may have a potential protective effect on premature SD rat with ischemic WMD.