Neuroprotective properties of levosimendan in an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the neuroprotective properties of levosimendan, a novel inodilator, in an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury.


METHODS
Organotypic hippocampal brain slices from mouse pups were subjected to a focal mechanical trauma. Slices were treated after the injury with three different concentrations of levosimendan (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 μM) and compared to vehicle-treated slices. After 72 hrs, the trauma was quantified using propidium iodide to mark the injured cells.


RESULTS
A significant dose-dependent reduction of both total and secondary tissue injury was observed in cells treated with either 0.01 or 0.1 μM levosimendan compared to vehicle-treated slices.


CONCLUSIONS
Levosimendan represents a promising new pharmacological tool for neuroprotection after brain injury and warrants further investigation in an in vivo model.
Department of Anaesthesiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. aroehl@ukaachen.de
Anna B
AB
Roehl
Marc
M
Hein
Philipp D
PD
Loetscher
Jan
J
Rossaint
Joachim
J
Weis
Rolf
R
Rossaint
Mark
M
Coburn
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000293:injuries; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077464:Simendan
D006835:Hydrazones; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D011724:Pyridazines; D000077464:Simendan