Expression of Caspase-3 in rat brain cortex after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Aim: To observe the expression of Caspase-3 after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats brain cortex.Methods:The focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model was prepared by thread embolism of middle cerebral artery (MCA). The neuron morphologic change was studied by HE staining. The expression of Caspase-3 in ischemia cortex was determined using immunohistochemical technique. Cell apoptosis was detected using TUNEL.Results: In the process of reperfusion after 2 h ischemia, the expression of Caspase-3 began to increase at 6th h,reached peak at 24th h,and decreased at 72nd h.The change of apoptotic cells was accordant with that of Caspase-3. Conclusion: Caspase-3 regulates the cell apoptosis,which plays a vital role in the injury of rat ischemia and reperfusion.