The expression of bcl-2.bax and p53 mRNA in neurons after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats

Objectives To study the expression and variation of bcl 2, bax and p53 mRNA in neurons after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods Using rats model with middle cerebral artery occluded and adopting the technique of in situ hybridization, we detected the expression of bcl 2, bax and p53 mRNA on different time spots(2,6,12 hours and 1,2,3,7,14 days) after reperfusion of focal cerebral ischemia in rats.Results In the peripheral area of the infarction, bcl 2 mRNA positive neurons were observed 2h after reperfusion, peaked at 1d, decreased to normal level after 14 d; bax and p53 mRNA were detected at 6h, they reached their peak at 1d and 2d and decreased to control level on the 3rd d and 7th d after reperfusion respectively.Conclusions The expression of bcl 2, bax and p53 mRNA in neurons cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was related to ischemic injury and may play a regular role in neuronal apoptosis.