Striatal cytomegalic neurons containing nitric oxide are associated with experimental perinatal asphyxia: implication of cold treatment

ABSTRACT

Neuropathological mechanisms triggered by excitatory aminoacids are Known to involve nitric oxide (NO). Neurons containing NO are histochemically reactive to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), which labels NO synthase in CNS, Sprague-Dawley male rats subjected to perinatal asphyxia (PA) at 37 degreese Celsius, and PA plus 15 degreese Celsius hypothermia were evaluted when 6 months old by NADPH-d histochemical reaction. Computarized image analysis was used for quantification of stained sections. NADPH-d neurons in striatum from subsevere and severe PA showed a significant increment in soma size and dendritic process length versus control and hypothermic treated rats. Post-ischemic damage reurons are therefore involved in NO changes induced by PA that may be prevented by hypothermia treatment.