Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2013, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (2): 133-142.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.02.005

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8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin intervenes with neural cell apoptosis following diffuse axonal injury

Zhenli Mao1, 2, Zhenquan Song1, Gang Li3, Wei Lv1, 2, Xu Zhao1, 2, Bin Li1, 2, Xinli Feng1, Youli Chen1   

  1. 1 Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
    2 Postgraduate School, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning Province, China
    3 Jilin Brain Hospital, Siping 136000, Jilin Province, China
  • Received:2012-09-12 Revised:2012-12-16 Online:2013-01-15 Published:2013-01-15
  • Contact: Zhenquan Song, M.D., Professor, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China, szqlz@ 163.com.
  • About author:Zhenli Mao★, Studying for master’s degree.
  • Supported by:

    This project was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Technology Department of Liaoning Province, No. 20032047.

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Abstract:

Previous studies have reported a neuroprotective effect of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) against traumatic brain injury. In accordance with the Marmarou method, rat models of diffuse axonal injury were established. 8-OH-DPAT was intraperitoneally injected into model rats. 8-OH-DPAT treated rats maintained at constant temperature served as normal temperature controls. TUNEL results revealed that neural cell swelling, brain tissue necrosis and cell apoptosis occurred around the injured tissue. Moreover, the number of Bax-, Bcl-2- and caspase-3-positive cells increased at 6 hours after diffuse axonal injury, and peaked at 24 hours. However, brain injury was attenuated, the number of apoptotic cells reduced, Bax and caspase-3 expression decreased, and Bcl-2 expression increased at 6, 12, 24, 72 and 168 hours after diffuse axonal injury in normal temperature control and in 8-OH-DPAT-intervention rats. The difference was most significant at 24 hours. All indices in 8-OH-DPAT-intervention rats were better than those in the constant temperature group. These results suggest that 8-OH-DPAT inhibits Bax and caspase-3 expression, increases Bcl-2 expression, and reduces neural cell apoptosis, resulting in neuroprotection against diffuse axonal injury. This effect is associated with a decrease in brain temperature.

Key words: neural regeneration, brain injury, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, diffuse axonal injury, mild hypothermia, cell apoptosis, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, neuroprotection, grant-supported paper, photographs-containing paper, neuroregeneration