Neuroprotective effects of tanshinone I from Danshen extract in a mouse model of hypoxia-ischemia.

Abstract

Hypoxia-ischemia leads to serious neuronal damage in some brain regions and is a strong risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of tanshinone I (TsI) derived from Danshen (Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract) against neuronal damage using a mouse model of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. Brain infarction and neuronal damage were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin and eosin histochemistry, and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence. Pre-treatment with TsI (10 mg/kg) was associated with a significant reduction in infarct volume 1 day after hypoxia-ischemia was induced. In addition, TsI protected against hypoxia-ischemia-induced neuronal death in the ipsilateral region. Our present findings suggest that TsI has strong potential for neuroprotection against hypoxic-ischemic damage. These results may be used in research into new anti-stroke medications.

• Authors: Jae-Chul Lee, Joon Ha Park, Ok Kyu Park, In Hye Kim, Bing Chun Yan, Ji Hyeon Ahn, Seung-Hae Kwon, Jung Hoon Choi, Jong-Dai Kim, Moo-Ho Won
• Journal: Anatomy & cell biology (Anat Cell Biol) Vol. 46 Issue 3 Pg. 183-90 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 2093-3665 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 24179693 (Publication Type: Journal Article)