Effect of nimoton on blood-brain barrier permeability and AQP4 mRNA expression after experimental cerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective To investigate the relationship between blood-brain barrier(BBB)permeability and AQP4 and the effect of nimoton after experimental cerebral hemorrhage(ICH)in Rats.Methods The ICH models were established by stereotaxic injection of autologous artery blood into the caudate nucleus.We detected AQP4 mRNA expression by RT-PCR,BBB permeability by EB method and brain water content by dry-wet weight method. Results In contrast to the control group,BBB permeability increased at 6h in ICH group and nimoton group after cerebral hemorrhage,reached peak at 1～3d,then which in nimoton group was lower than that in ICH group(P(0.05));AQP4 mRNA expression increased at 6h in two groups,reached peak at 3d,then which in nimoton group was lower than that in ICH group(P(0.05)).There was a significantly positive correlation between AQP4 mRNA expression and BBB permeability(r=0.686,P(0.01)).They were consistent with the change of cerebral edema. Conclusion After ICH,cerebral edema may be formed through the up-regulation of AQP4 mRNA expression and the increase of BBB permeability.Nimoton can inhibit the process.