Buyang Huanwu decoction enhances cell membrane fluidity in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Abstract

After bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 30 minutes and reperfusion for 2 hours, distinct pathological changes presented in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats. Compared with normal rats, nerve cell membrane fluidity significantly decreased in ischemia/reperfusion rats as detected by spin-labeling electron spin resonance, consistent with order parameter S and rotational correlation time τc measurements. Brain nerve cells from rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury were cultured with 1-100 mg/mL Buyang Huanwu decoction. Results showed that Buyang Huanwu decoction gradually increased membrane fluidity dose-dependently to normal levels, and eliminated hydroxide (OH(·)) and superoxide ( O2 (·)) free radicals dose-dependently. These findings suggest that Buyang Huanwu decoction can protect against cell membrane fluidity changes in rats with ischemia/ reperfusion injury by scavenging free radicals.

Keywords: Buyang Huanwu decoction; brain; cell membrane fluidity; electron spin resonance; free radical; ischemia/reperfusion; neural regeneration.

Figure 1

Morphology of brain tissue in rats (hematoxylin-eosin staining, × 400). In the cerebrum (A) and cerebellum (B) in sham surgery group, the configuration of neurons was clear, and there was no evidence of injury. The arrow shows a normal Purkinje's neuron. (C, D) In the cortex of model group, the configuration of neurons was not clear, and local hemorrhaging was observed. In the cerebellum (D), the metamorphosis of Purkinje neurons was observed (as shown by the arrow). Some Purkinje neurons were lost.

Figure 2

Correlation between Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and the order parameter S in the model group (r = 0.82). Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson correlation analysis.