CHANGES AND SIGNIFICANCE OF IRON CONCENTRATION IN BRAIN TISSUES OF NEONATAL RATS WITH HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC BRAIN DAMAGE

Objective To investigate the changes and significance of iron concentration in brain tissues of neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). Method Sixty-two 7-day-old SD neonatal rats were randomized into the normal control group (n=14),the sham-operation group (n=14) and the HIBD group (n=34). The model of HIBD was established as described by Rice. The neural behavior in 24h after hypoxic-ischemia was evaluated. The brains were sampled out at 24h , 48h , 72h after hypoxic-ischemia, and the pathological changes were observed. The water contents in brain tissues were measured as well. The iron contents in brain tissues were detected by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry respectively. Result (1) The abnormality incidence of the neural behavior in HIBD group was 94.12%;(2)In HIBD group,the pathological changes of the left brain were obvious. HE and thionin stainingshowed the neuron damage and the proliferation of neuroglial cells. There was no abnormality in other two groups;(3)The water content increased significantly in HIBD group compared with the sham-operation group and the normal control group(P0.01);(4)The iron contents in the brain tissues increased markedly in HIBD group compared with the sham-operation group and the normal control group(P0.05). Conclusion The increased level of iron in the brain tissues is possibly involved in the mechanisms of HIBD in neonatal rats. It is important to prevent brain damage from iron overload in maintenance of iron homeostasis.