NOD-like receptor protein 3 inhibition by MCC950 improves the cognitive function of rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy

This study aimed to investigate the effects of MCC950 in a rat model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). Adult male rats were randomly assigned to 12 groups according to the surgery or treatment received and evaluation times. The SAE model was established using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method. Intraperitoneal injections of normal saline (10 mL/kg) or MCC950 (10 mg/kg) were administered 30 min pre-surgery and daily post-surgery. Changes in survival rates, weight loss, and heart rate were assessed at four time points, and neurobehavioral changes were evaluated using the composite neural reflex function scores, light/dark box test, and open-field test (OFT). Compared with the SAE group, the SAE + MCC950 group had significantly higher survival rates (P < 0.05), lower postoperative weight loss rates (P < 0.05), and higher neurological function scores (P < 0.05); the SAE + MCC950 group also traveled further and crossed the central area more frequently in the OFT (P < 0.05), spent more time in the light compartment at different time points (P < 0.05), and exhibited a lower heart rate at different time points (P < 0.05). MCC950 treatment significantly improved cognitive function and related indices in the SAE rats.