Effect of berberine on proto-oncogene c-fos expression inducedby focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Aim To study the effect of berberine (Ber) on c_fos expression induced by focal cerebral ischemia. Methods Dot blotting assay was used to investigate the dynamic changes of c_fos mRNA expression in cortex and hippocampus during reperfusion after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) 2 h in rats. Results c_fos gene expression was temporally increased in cortex and hippocampus of focal cerebral ischemia by 4.5, 4.7 times, respectively. However, the changes of c_fos gene expression could be inhibited dramatically by Ber 20 mg/(kg·d)×5 d,ip. The same dosage of Ber significantly reduced contents of water and calcium of brain tissues. Conclusions The inhibitory actions of Ber on c_fos expression induced by focal cerebral ischemia may be related to its protective effect on brain ischemia.