Neuroprotective effect of 2-methoxyestradiol on neurological function and nerve cell apoptosis in rats with acute cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) on neurological functions and nerve cell apoptosis in rats with acute cerebral infarction. Methods Seventy-two adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group and treatment group (n=24). Middle cerebral artery infarction models in the later two groups were constructed by Longa method. Rats in treatment group were treated with 2ME2 (24 mg/kg) daily for 7 d, while rats in the sham-operated group and model group with physiological saline. Bederson standard scale was adopted to analyze the nerve function defect 7 d after operation. Caspase-3 protein expression in the rat brain tissues was analyzed by Western blotting and apoptosis index was analyzed by TUNEL. Results As compared with those in the model group (2.015±0.871), Bederson standard scale scores in the treatment group (1.235±0.849) were significantly lower (P<0.05); as compared with the sham-operated group (0.286±0.160, 7.8±6.9), the model group and treatment group had significantly increased Caspase-3 protein level and apoptosis index (P<0.05), while Caspase-3 protein level and apoptosis index in treatment group (0.615±0.185, 27.8±6.4) were significantly lower than those in the model group (1.109±0.224, 34.9±5.9, P<0.05). Conclusion 2ME2 can improve the neurological function, reduce the level of apoptosis in rat brain nerve cells and has a protective effect on nerve. Key words: 2-methoxyestradiol; Cerebral infarction; Apoptosis; Neurological function