Effect of erythropoietin on the expression of NSE in neonatal rats with hypoxic ischemic brain damage

Aim: To observe the effect of erythropoietin on the expression of NSE(neuron specific enolase) in neonatal rats with hypoxic ischemic brain damage. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats(7-day old) were randomly divided into sham operation group,EPO treatment group and HIBD group.The histological(HE staining) and immunohistochemistry methods were used to determine the pathological changes and the NSE expression levels in the brain at different time points. Results: Compared to the sham operation group,the rats of HIBD group showed significant pathological change,and the histological changes and the brain damage were improved significantly in EPO treatment group(P0.05) at every sampling point.48 h after modeling,NSE expressions were observed in intercellular spaces in the HIBD group.After 96h,NSE expression increased sharply in intercellular spaces in the HIBD group.However,NSE expressions were significantly reduced in the EPO treatment group at the same sampling point.The number of NSE-positive cells in the HIBD group was smaller than that of the sham operation group and EPO group(P0.05) after modeling 48 h and 8 d. Conclusion:In the early stage of HIBD,immediate administration of erythropoietin can play a neuroprotective role,reducing neuronal necrosis and improving the brain dysfunction.