A Phytochemically characterized extract of Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin protect hippocampal neurons from ischemic injury in gerbils.
In the present study, we investigated effects of the dried, hot-water extract of Cordyceps militaris (CME) and its major metabolite (cordycepin) against ischemic damage. The repeated treatment with CME protected hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from ischemic damage in gerbils. The treatment with CME or cordycepin in gerbils reduced 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (a marker of lipid peroxidation) immunoreactivity and levels in the ischemic CA1 region. Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive astrocytes and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunoreactive microglia in the vehicle-treated ischemic group were activated in the CA1 region 4 days after ischemia/reperfusion, whereas in the CME- or cordycepin-treated ischemic group, their activation was significantly decreased. These results suggest that the repeated treatment with CME protects against neuronal damage from ischemia/reperfusion by reducing oxidative damage.
Hwang
In Koo
IK
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Lim
Soon Sung
SS
Yoo
Ki-Yeon
KY
Lee
Yeon Sil
YS
Kim
Ho Gyoung
HG
Kang
Il-Jun
IJ
Kwon
Hyung Joo
HJ
Park
Jinseu
J
Choi
Soo Young
SY
Won
Moo-Ho
MH
D000225:Adenine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000241:Adenosine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000447:Aldehydes / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032661:Cordyceps / Q000737:chemistry*; D003839:Deoxyadenosines / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*
D000447:Aldehydes; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D003839:Deoxyadenosines; C058120:cordycepin; D000225:Adenine; C027576:4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; D000241:Adenosine