NMDA受容体の活性化はマウス中大脳動脈閉塞による脳損傷を抑制する

抄録

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors has been shown to induce either neuronal cell death or neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in cultured neurons in vitro. To elucidate in vivo neuroprotective role of NMDA receptors, we investigated the effects of pretreatment of NMDA on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury to the mouse brain in vivo. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to induce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice 24 h after the administration of NMDA (75 mig/kg, i. p.). Neurological assessment and cerebral ischemic volume were measured by Zea longa score and TTC staining at 24 h after reperfusion. MCAO induced severe damages in mouse brain, with increasing neurological deficits by Zea longa score. However, the prior administration of NMDA at 24 h before significantly prevented cerebral infraction area by MCAO. In addition, MK-801 was effective in abolishing this brain protective effect of NMDA against the brain damage induced by MCAO. These results suggested that in vivo activation of NMDA receptor is capable of protecting against MCAO-induced cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.