ABSTRACT
Objective This study aims to evaluate the changes of Cdk5 expression at the time of 3 hours to 10 days after moderate brain injury by blunt force impact in a rat model,and to demonstrate its forensic significance.Methods To establish a rat model of blunt focal brain contusion,and to observe the changes of Cdk5 expression in brain tissue at different timepoints after brain injury by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results A low expression level of Cdk5 was observed in the brain tissue of both normal and sham control groups.The expression of Cdk5 increased after 3 and 6 hours,remarkably increased at 12 hours,and reached the maximal level at 24 hours after focal brain injury.The Cdk5 level gradually decreased 3 days,5 days,7 days,and 10 days and reached the normal level 7 and 10 days after the injury,with no statistical difference (P>0.05) compared with the normal and sham control groups.Conclusion The expression of Cdk5 increased in the peripheral area of contusion tissue after blunt brain injury in rats,showing single peak change,and dropped to normal level with the time extension.The change of Cdk5 expression may provide a new reference index for the prediction of early brain contusion.