Investigating Molecular Mechanisms in Ischemic Preconditioning-Induced Resiliency to Severe Acute Global Cerebral Ischemia Using a Mouse Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.
Roli Kushwaha, Shashikant Patel, K S Yuvaraj, Pooja Sharma, Arvind Kumar, Sumana Chakravarty
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic preconditioning offers a promising strategy to enhance resilience to severe ischemic insults. Unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAo) is a valuable model to simulate chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). This study explored UCCAo-induced CCH as a preconditioning stimulus to induce ischemic tolerance against transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI) induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo) in both male and female mice. We evaluated the effects of CCH preconditioning on neuroprotection and recovery through behavioral, histopathological, and molecular analyses. Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) confirmed significant cerebral hypoperfusion post-UCCAo. Preconditioning reduced mortality rates at days 1 and 7 post-surgery as compared to BCCAo, suggesting its neuroprotective potential. Neurodeficit scoring demonstrated significant protection in preconditioned animals with recovery aligning closer to sham controls. Behavioral assays revealed improved motor and cognitive outcomes in preconditioned groups, with sex-specific differences evident in recovery dynamics. Molecular analyses indicated reduced reactive astrocyte (GFAP) and microglial (IBA1) activation in preconditioned animals, reflecting controlled glial responses. Sex-dependent variations in markers of hypoxia (Hif1a), autophagy (Becn1), and neurogenesis (Sox2) highlighted neuroadaptive and cellular influences on ischemic resilience. Preconditioning enhanced synaptic plasticity by upregulating PSD-95, synaptophysin and BDNF levels. In addition, preconditioning increased VEGF expression in blood serum reflecting vascular remodeling and neuroprotective angiogenesis. This study positions UCCAo-induced CCH as a reliable model for exploring ischemic tolerance mechanisms to advance therapeutic strategies for mitigating the effects of ischemic stroke.
期刊介绍:
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology publishes original research concerned with the analysis of neuronal and brain function at the cellular and subcellular levels. The journal offers timely, peer-reviewed articles that describe anatomic, genetic, physiologic, pharmacologic, and biochemical approaches to the study of neuronal function and the analysis of elementary mechanisms. Studies are presented on isolated mammalian tissues and intact animals, with investigations aimed at the molecular mechanisms or neuronal responses at the level of single cells. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology also presents studies of the effects of neurons on other organ systems, such as analysis of the electrical or biochemical response to neurotransmitters or neurohormones on smooth muscle or gland cells.