NutriSim© Protects-Against Apoptosis in Hippocampus Induced by Transient Ischemia in Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones Unguiculatus)

Mongolian gerbil model has been extensively used for the study of neuroprotective drugs since transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion induces neuronal cell death to selectively vulnerable regions, including the CA1 sector of the hippocampus. Previously we have shown that NutriSim©, a nutritive supplement used empirically in the treatment of several degenerative disorders protects against brain damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion in Mongolian gerbils. These effects are partly attributed to its antioxidant action. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of NutriSim© with histological measures of global ischemia in gerbils. We found that a single dose of NutriSim© was able to prevent significantly the ischemia-induced pyramidal cell loss as well as the number of hyperchromatic cells and glial cells after a week of treatment. In consonance with these data, increased TUNEL positive cells after ischemia is reduced in NutriSim© treated animal after a week.