Abstract
Objects: To assess the effects of Argatroban which was developed as an antithrombin agent, we experimentally investigated the number of inflammatory cells and astrocytes infiltrated and/or appeared in injured lesion of rat brain.
Methods: Gelatins soaked with Argatroban or saline were placed in the artificial cavities of brain defect for assessing the grade of infiltrating inflammatory cells using ordinary hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes by HE stain and monocyte/macrophage positive cells, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive and vimentin positive astrocytes by IHC stain were compared between Argatroban and saline (control) treated group.
Results: Argatroban suppressed accumulation of inflammatory cells, both polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocyte/macrophage positive cells, and vimentin positive astrocytes along the brain defect edge, but had no effect on GFAP positive astrocytes along the brain defect edge.
Conclusion: Argatroban may minimize the secondary brain damage through suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and excessive gliosis comprised of vimentin positive astrocytes and have good effects on the neural regenaration.
