Effect of radix salivae miltiorrhizae on redox factor-1 protein and apoptosis of the cerebral cortex area in neonatal rats after hypoxia-ischemia brain damage

Objective To study the effect of radix salivae miltiorrhizae ( SM ) on Redox factor-1 (Ref-1) protein and apoptosis of the cerebral cortex area in neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). Methods The HIBD model was established with 7-day old SD neonatal rats. The expression of Ref-1 protein and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex area were determined by immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining in sham operation group, HIBD group and SM group (treated by Compound Dan-shen) with intervals of 24h. Results Compared with the HIBD group, the expression of Ref-1 protein was increased (36. 1±6. 3 vs. 76. 3±5. 4, t = 2. 43 ,P 0. 05 ) and apoptosis cells were decreased significantly ( 68 ±2 vs. 12 ±5, t=7.02 ,P 0. 01 ) in SM group. Conclusions As free radical scavenge, SM can prevent neuron apoptosis after HIBD by enhancing expression of Ref-1 protein probably. It provides a new theoretic evidence for treating neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.