Observation of neuron apoptosis following unilateral cerebral hypoxia-ischemia in the neonatal rat

Objective To investigate apoptosic mechanisms of cortex and hippocampus in the brain following traditional model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia(HIE).Methods The traditional model of neonatal HIE was made. Terminal deoxy-nuleotidyl transferase-labeling(Tunel), HE staining and electron-microscope were used to observe and compare the time and degree of apopticus cells in the cortex and hippocampus.Results The typical character of apoptosis was found in neonatal brain cells following hypoxia-ischemia. Cells shrink, chromatin condensation under microscope,positive cells identified in situ labeling were observed. Apoptosis cells increased following ischemia time extending, and the peak time in cortex is 18h point,that in hippocampus is 40h point. Conclusion Apoptosis is one important form of celldsath of HIE.Dynamic process of apoptosis is different in the cortex and hippocampus after HIE.