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.
Roehl
Anna B
AB
Department of Anaesthesiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. aroehl@ukaachen.de
Hein
Marc
M
Loetscher
Philipp D
PD
Rossaint
Jan
J
Weis
Joachim
J
Rossaint
Rolf
R
Coburn
Mark
M
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