Abstract
Objects : To investigate the involvement of thrombin in brain injury, we assessed the effects of argatroban, a specific antithrombin agent, on accumulation of inflammatory cells. We especially focused on the number of ICAM-1 positive vessels and Mac-1 positive cells along the injured brain of rats.
Methods : Gelatins soaked with argatroban or saline were placed in the cavities of artificial brain defect for assessing the grade of inflammatory cells infiltrating, ICAM-1 positive vessels and Mac-1 positive cells were demonstrated by using immunohisto-chemical (IHC) stain. The number of ICAM-1 positive vessels and Mac-1 positive cells stain were compared between argatroban treated and saline (control) groups.
Results : Argatroban suppressed the expression of ICAM-1 on the endothelial cells and also suppressed the infiltration of Mac-1 positive cells along the edge of brain defect.
Conclusion : Argatroban, an antithrombin agent, minimize the secondary brain damage through suppressing both the infiltration of Mac-1 positive cells and expression of ICAM-1 positive vessels.
