EFFECTS OF PICRORHIZAE ON EXPRESSION OF GDNF AND GDNF mRNA AFTER CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION

Objective To observe the expression of glial derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF) and GDNF mRNA in cerebral tissue after reperfusion of focal cerebral ischemia,and to elucidate picrorhizae in the protection of neuron. Methods Ischemic reperfusion models were established with intraluminal thread method in 36 adult healthy male Wistar rats.The rats in model group were given intragastric administration with picrorhizae,the expressions of GDNF and GDNF mRNA in cortex and striatum were determined respectively by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assay. Results In model group,the GDNF and GDNF mRNA positive neurons increased from 6 h,peaked at 1 d in cortex and peaked at 3 d in striatum.Compared with operation group and sham-operation group,the expressions of GDNF and GDNF mRNA increased insignificantly in treatment group. Conclusion Picrorhizae could protect the neurons against cerebral hypoxia-ischemic damage by increasing the expressions of GDNF and GDNF mRNA.