Effect of cell cycle inhibitor on expression of apoptotic cells in rats after focal cerebral ischemia

Objective To study the effect of cell cycle inhibitor on apoptosis of cerebral neurons.Methods Focal ischemia model was established by photochemistry method. Olomoucine (4 mg/kg,i.p) was administered at once after operation in the treated groups. Rats were killed at 3 days after operation. Their brains were sectioned and stained with HE. In the ipsilateral cortex of focal ischemia, the number and anatomic distribution of apoptotic neurons were studied by immunohistochemistry. The expression of caspase-3 protein was assessed by Western blot. Results The average infarct area was significantly decreased in treated group compared with control group after cerebral ischemia at 3 days (P0.05).The number of apoptotic neurons was significantly increased in control group (P0.05) . Western blot showed expression of Caspase-3 protein was significantly decreased after treatment with Olomoucine(P0.05). Conclusion Cell cycle regulation plays an important role in process of neuronal apoptosis.