Neuroprotective effects of trolox in global cerebral ischemia in gerbils

Stroke is a third leading cause of death and oxygen free radicals have been shown to be involved in its pathophysiology. In the present study, we have investigated neuroprotective potential of trolox, a free radical scavenger in bilateral carotid arteries occlusion (5 min) model of global cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. Gerbils were treated with trolox (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min prior to occlusion. There was a significant increase in neurological symptoms and locomotor activity in ischemic animals as compared with the sham-operated animals. These effects were attenuated by trolox 30 mg/kg, i.p. Significant increase in the number of the surviving neurons in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal region was observed in ischemic animals treated with trolox 30 mg/kg, i.p. There was significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in ischemic animals indicating oxidative stress. Elevated levels of MDA in ischemic animals (25.79 +/- 3.34 mu M/mg of protein) were reduced (16.43 +/- 3.32 mu M/mg of protein) and (8.98 +/- 0.89 mu M/mg of protein) by trolox 10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p., respectively. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of trolox in global cerebral ischemia in gerbils.