Neuronal para-apoptosis after acute brain trauma in rats

Objective To observe neuronal apoptosis after acute brain trauma (ABT). Diffused brain trauma model was used to histologically and morphologically observe the neuronal damage by microscopy and electromicroscopy. The neuronal DNA injury in the brain cortex and hippocampus was detected by DNA Ladder gel electrophoresis and TUNEL stain. Results After impact, the shrunken and contracted degenerations were found in neurons under microscopy. Under the electromicroscopy, para apoptosis could be seen at the 2nd hour after impact, became the most distinct at the 24th hour and lasted 7 days. There appeared DNA ladder electrophoresis in the hippocampus and the cortex at the 24th hour after impact through DNA ladder gel electrophoresis. Positive TUNEL stain could be easily seen at the 2nd hour after impact, reached most distinct at the 24th hour and was still higher than normal at the 7th day. Conclusions Neuronal para apoptosis exists in the brain tissues after ABI and can last a long time.