Innovative in vivo rat model for global cerebral hypoxia: a new approach to investigate therapeutic and preventive drugs

In this study, 14 rats underwent 12 min of hypoxemia with an oxygen saturation of approximately 60% measured by pulse oximetry; thereafter, animals obtained sugammadex to antagonize rocuronium immediately.Results: Compared to controls (14 rats, anesthesia only), hypoxic animals demonstrated significant morphological alterations in the hippocampus (cell decrease in the CA 1 region) and the cerebellum (Purkinje cell decrease), as well as significant changes in hypoxia markers in blood (Hif2α, Il1β, Tgf1β, Tnfα, S100b, cspg2, neuron-specific enolase), hippocampus (Il1β, Tnfα, S100b, cspg2, NSE), and cerebellum (Hif1α, Tnfα, S100b, cspg2, NSE). Effects were more pronounced in females than in males.Discussion: Consequently, this model is suitable to induce hypoxemia with consecutive global cerebral hypoxia. As significant morphological and biochemical changes were proven, it can be used to investigate therapeutic and preventive drugs for global cerebral hypoxia.
Source: Frontiers in Physiology - Category: Physiology Source Type: research