The apoptosis of endothelial cell and its relation to the expression of Bcl-2 after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Objective To study the apoptosis and the expression of Bcl 2 protein of endothelial cells after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Methods Coronal sections of brain were analyzed using an in situ terminal deoxynucleotdyl transferase mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling to detect apoptotic endothelial cells. The Bcl 2 protein were detected by immunohistochemical staining methods after reperfusion (2,6,12,24hours and 2,3,7,14,21 days). Results (1)Apoptotic endothelial cells in the ischemic penumbra were observed 2h after reperfusion of MCAO,peaked at 24h,and decreased successfully to controlled level at 21d. (2)The Bcl 2 protein began to express 2h after reperfusion,peaked at 12 24h,and declined gradually to controlled level at 14d. (3)The time phase pattern of Bcl 2 is similar to that of cell apoptosis. Conclusion Apoptosis is a pattern of endothelial cell death after reperfusion of MCAO. Bcl 2 protein play an inhibit role in the process of apoptosis of endothelial cells.