Changhong Ren1,2,3, Ning Li1,2,3, Chen Gao1,2,3, Wei Zhang4, Yong Yang4, Sijie Li2, Xunming Ji1,2,3, Yuchuan Ding5. 1. Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing, China. 2. BeijingKey Laboratory of Hypoxia Translational Medicine , Beijing, China. 3. Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorder , Beijing, China. 4. Department of Herbal Formula Science Medicine, Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine , Beijing, China. 5. Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Following stroke, angiogenic strategy has been proposed to alleviate ischemia-induced injury by promoting angiogenesis and improving cerebrovascular function in the ischemic regions. Ligustilide (LGSL) is known to have neuroprotection against ischemic stroke-induced injury. But the effect of LGSL on promoting angiogenesis after ischemic stroke is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LGSL on neuroprotection and angiogenesis after stroke. METHODS: BrdU cell proliferation assay, transwell, wound healing, and tube-formation experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of LGSL on mouse microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3). Male adult C57/BL6 mice were subjected to focal transient cerebral ischemia followed by intragastric LGSL administration. Immunostaining was performed to assess angiogenesis. VEGF level was assayed by ELISA. eNOS expression was performed by Western blot. RESULTS: LGSL significantly improved neurological function. LGSL promoted angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Neurological improvement conferred by LGSL correlated with increased cerebral vessels number. We also found an increase of VEGF and eNOS activation in mice ischemic hemisphere following LGSL administration. CONCLUSION: LGSL promoted focal angiogenesis and attenuated ischemia-induced brain injury, suggesting that LGSL is a potential agent that improves angiogenesis and promotes recovery from ischemic stroke.
OBJECTIVES: Following stroke, angiogenic strategy has been proposed to alleviate ischemia-induced injury by promoting angiogenesis and improving cerebrovascular function in the ischemic regions. Ligustilide (LGSL) is known to have neuroprotection against ischemic stroke-induced injury. But the effect of LGSL on promoting angiogenesis after ischemic stroke is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LGSL on neuroprotection and angiogenesis after stroke. METHODS: BrdU cell proliferation assay, transwell, wound healing, and tube-formation experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of LGSL on mouse microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3). Male adult C57/BL6mice were subjected to focal transient cerebral ischemia followed by intragastric LGSL administration. Immunostaining was performed to assess angiogenesis. VEGF level was assayed by ELISA. eNOS expression was performed by Western blot. RESULTS:LGSL significantly improved neurological function. LGSL promoted angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Neurological improvement conferred by LGSL correlated with increased cerebral vessels number. We also found an increase of VEGF and eNOS activation in miceischemic hemisphere following LGSL administration. CONCLUSION:LGSL promoted focal angiogenesis and attenuated ischemia-induced brain injury, suggesting that LGSL is a potential agent that improves angiogenesis and promotes recovery from ischemic stroke.