Expression of bcl-xl and bax proteins during reperfusion after focal cerebral ischemia

Objective The expressions and actions of bcl-xl and bax proteins during reperfusion after focal cerebral ischemia were studied. Methods Forty-five healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, pseudo-operative group, ischemia for 3 hr group and reperfusion after ischemia for 3 hr group. The reperfusion after ischemia group was further divided randomly into 6 sub-groups reperfusion at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr after ischemia. The expressions of bcl-xl and bax proteins were examined in a focal cerebral ischemic model by flow cytometry(FCM). Results The expression of bax increased gradually during the reperfusion with the prolongation of ischemic time about 3 hr. It reached its peak from 24 h to 48 h of reperfusion, while the expression of bcl-xl increased at the early stage but then reduced. The ratio of bcl-xl/ bax showed dynamic changes. Conclusion The increase of bcl-xl expression promotes the nerve cell survival. The changes of bcl-xl/bax ratio promote the apotosis of nerve cell.