Salvianolic acid B protects brain against injuries caused by ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Abstract

Aim: To study the protective effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) against the ischemia-reperfusion induced rat brain injury.

Methods: Focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in rats was employed to study the protective effects of Sal B. The behavioural tests were used to evaluate the damage to the central nervous system. Spectrophotometric assay methods were used to measure the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine 5-triphosphorate (ATP), and lactate acid (LA) in experimental rats' brain homogenate.

Results: Focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion resulted in abnormal behavior which could be alleviated by Sal B 10 mg.kg-1 i.v., and nimodipine (Nim) 4 mg.kg-1 i.p. At the same time, Sal B 10 mg.kg-1 and Nim 4 mg.kg-1 could inhibit the decrease in SOD, GSH, and ATP levels and the increase in MDA and LA levels caused by ischemia-reperfusion in brain.

Conclusion: Sal B showed a protective action against the ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in rat brain by reducing lipid peroxides, scavenging free radicals and improving the energy metabolism.