Edaravone reduces brain oedema and attenuates cell death after intracerebral haemorrhage in mice

Primary objective: Edaravone, a potent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals, has been used to treat acute cerebral ischemia, but its effects on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are unknown. The present study tried to understand the effects of edaravone on ICH in mice. Research design: Mice of edaravone and control group were injected with collagenase to induce ICH. Mice of the edaravone group were given edaravone at 30 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after the induction of ICH. Methods and procedures: At 72 hours after surgery, the mice were scored neurologically by a 28-point neurological scoring system. The haematoma volume was measured by Luxol Fast Blue staining. Brain cell death was determined by TUNEL staining and the severity of brain oedema was evaluated by brain water content. Main outcomes and results: The neurological score of the edaravone group was statistically lower than that of the control group. There were also statistical differences in water content and brain cell death between these two groups. Conclusions: Edaravone reduced ICH-induced oedema formation, attenuated cell death and improved functional outcome in mice. This suggests that it may be a potential therapeutic agent for patients with ICH.