Reperfusion following focal cerebral ischemia alters distribution of neuronal cells with DNA fragmentation in mice.

To clarify the role of reperfusion in DNA damage following focal cerebral ischemia, we determined the distribution of cells with DNA fragmentation following permanent or transient focal ischemia. Less DNA-damaged cells were observed in the permanent than in the transient group in the ischemic core, but there was no difference in the boundary zone. We conclude that reperfusion following transient ischemia may exacerbate neuronal death following DNA damage.