The effect of focal cerebral ischemic preconditioning on the calpain activity in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of focal cerebral ischemic preconditioning on the calpain activity and to explore its role in ischemic tolerance in rats. Methods Fifty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham-operation control group, cerebral ischemic preconditioning control group, cerebral ischemic preconditioning group, and cerebral ischemia group. Neurologic deficit scores, infarct volume, HE staining and changes of calpain activities were evaluated in each group. Results Compared with cerebral ischemia group, there was lower neurologic deficit scores, a smaller volume(P0.01), less severe neuronal injury(HE staining) and lower calpain activities(P0.05) in cerebral ischemic preconditioning group. No neurologic impairment and infarct were identified in the sham-operation control group and cerebral ischemic preconditioning control group. Conclusions Ischemic preconditioning is strong enough to induce ischemic tolerance and to attenuate activity of calpain.