Reduced brain edema and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression by pre-reperfusion infusion into ischemic territory in rat.

Abstract The aim in this study was to investigate whether our experimental model for stroke therapy, flushing the ischemic territory with saline prior to reperfusion, could ameliorate disruption of microvascular integrity by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during reperfusion. Stroke in Sprague Dawley rats ( n = 42) was induced by a 2-h right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion using a novel intraluminal hollow filament . Prior to reperfusion, 24 of the ischemic rats received 6 ml isotonic saline at 37 °C infused into the ischemic area through the filament. Brain edema was determined by comparing the percentage difference in brain volume between the right and left (contralateral to stroke site) hemispheres, while the expressions of MMP-2 and -9 mRNA were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). A significant ( p p