Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibits rat brain mitochondrial permeability transition pores by a free radical scavenging action.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the major and most active antioxidant from Carthamus tinctorius L., has been clinically prescribed in China to treat patients with cerebral ischemia, but the detailed mechanism is not known. This study examines the effect of HSYA on mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mtPTP) in the rat brain. HSYA at 10-80 micromol.l(-1) inhibited Ca(2+)- and H(2)O(2)-induced swelling of mitochondria isolated from rat brains. The addition of Ca(2+) generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in isolated mitochondria. HSYA (10-80 micromol.l(-1)) inhibited Ca(2+)-induced generation of ROS. At the same time, HSYA significantly improved mitochondrial energy metabolism, enhanced ATP levels and the respiratory control ratio. These results suggest that HSYA inhibits the opening of mtPTP by a free radical scavenging action in the brain, and this may contribute to the neuroprotective effect of HSYA. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.