The effects of Yangxue Qingnao Granule on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in MCAO model rats / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of Yangxueqingnao Granule on the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells and their neuroprotective mechanism after brain ischemia. Methods Cerebral ischemia was induced in rats by temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion. Ischemic animals received Yangxue Qingnao Granule at high and low doses at days 3,7, 14,and 21 after MCAO. Neurological score and TTC staining were used to assess the neurological deficits and the volume of cerebral infarction, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Brdu and Nestin expression in the subventricular zone(SVZ)and hippocampal dentate gyrus subgranular zone(SGZ)region. Results The rats in MCAO control group, low dose group and high dose group showed varying degrees of neurological def-icits and the volume of cerebral infarctions. The neurological defect scores and volume of cerebral infarction were signifi-cantly different at different time points in each group ( P<0.01). 2. The mean fluorescence intensity values of Brdu posi-tive cells or the Nestin positive cells in SVZ and SGZ regions were significantly different ( P< 0.01) at different time points after treatment for 3,7,14 or 21 days. The mean fluorescence intensity values of Brdu positive cells or the Nestin positive cells in SVZ and SGZ regions were significant different among low dose group, high dose group and MCAO con-trol group. The mean fluorescence intensity values of Brdu positive cells or the Nestin positive cells in SVZ and SGZ re-gions were significantly different among low dose group, High dose group and control group. High dose group significantly increased the mean fluorescence intensity values of Brdu positive cells or the Nestin positive cells in SVZ and SGZ re-gions. Conculsions Yangxue Qingnao Granule is able to promote the functional recovery and reduce the volume of cere-bral infarction in ischemic rats. Yangxue Qingnao Granule can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of endoge-nous neural stem cells in ischemic rats.