Authors

1 Master of Physiology, Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Rafsanjan University ofMedical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Physiology, Physiology-PharmacologyResearch Center, Rafsanjan University ofMedical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

Abstract

Background & Aims: Ischemic postconditioning, conducted by a series of brief occlusion and release of the
bilateral common carotid arteries, has neuroprotective properties in permanent or transient models of middle
cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion but its delayed neuroprotective effects in the embolic model of stroke,
especially in female rat, have not yet been reported and were investigated in the current study.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 female Wistar rats (200 to 250 g) were divided into three groups of
sham, stroke and postconditioning. All animals were similar in reproductive cycle, and after that, stroke was
induced by clot injection into the right middle cerebral artery. For postconditioning, common carotid arteries
(CCA) were occluded for 30 seconds and reopened for 30 seconds, for 5 cycles. The postconditioning was
induced at 6.5 hours after the stroke. Infarction volume, brain edema and neurological deficits were
measured two days later.
Results: Postconditioning at 6.5 hours after stroke decreased infarction volume (P< 0.001), brain edema
(P<0.050) and norologic deficit (P<0.050) significantly compared to the stroke group.
Conclusion: Late postconditioning improved ischemic injury, brain edema and neurological functions after
the embolic model ofstroke in female rat.
 

Keywords