Protective effects of extract of astragalus on injuries of global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats and anoxia in mice / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

AIM Protective effects of extract of astragalus on injuries of global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats and anoxia in mice. METHODS Acute anoxia in mice were produced by hypoxia under normal pressure and decapitation. In these two models the survival time and persistent time of gasping were observed. The global ischemia and reperfusion in rats was made by four-vessel occlusion (4-VO). After 20 min ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, the brain index and water content in brain was detected. MDA content and SOD activity of brain homogenate were tested. Endothelin concentration was determined both in plasma and hippocampus. The pathological changes of cortex tissue were observed by light microscope. RESULTS EA(50,100 mg?kg -1) significantly prolonged the survival time and persistent time of gasping in mice subjected to acute anoxia. EA(20,40,80 mg?kg -1) markedly reduced brain edema induced by global ischemia and reperfusion. EA(40,80 mg?kg -1) decreased MDA content and increased SOD activity in brain homogenate, and also inhibited ET concentration both in plasma and hippocampus. The pathological changes of cortex tissue were less serious in rats treated with EA. CONCLUSION EA has protective effects on cerebral ischemia and anoxia injuries that may relate to anti-oxidation and inhibition of ET production.