Erythropoietin prevents cognition impairment induced by transient brain ischemia in gerbils.
Erythropoietin has recently been studied for its role in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in different models of brain injury. We studied whether neuroprotective effects assessed from the reduction of neuronal loss after transient brain ischemia are associated to the preservation of learning ability. Recombinant human erythropoietin (0.5-25 U) was injected in the lateral cerebral ventricle of gerbils that are subjected to temporary (3 min) bilateral carotid occlusion. Post-ischemic histological evaluation of CA1 area neuronal loss and passive avoidance test were performed. Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin significantly reduced delayed neuronal death in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and prevented cognition impairment in the passive avoidance test. These data indicate that recombinant human erythropoietin neuroprotective effects in brain ischemia are associated with the preservation of learning function.
Catania
Maria A
MA
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Policlinico Universitario Torre Biologica No. 5 piano 98124 Messina, Italy.
Marciano
Maria C
MC
Parisi
Alessandra
A
Sturiale
Alessio
A
Buemi
Michele
M
Grasso
Giovanni
G
Squadrito
Francesco
F
Caputi
Achille P
AP
Calapai
Gioacchino
G
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin