Effects of progesterone on neurite growth inhibitors in the hippocampus following global cerebral ischemia.

Abstract In this study, the effect s of progesterone (P 4 ) on the immunoreactivity to the neurite growth inhibitor Nogo-A, its receptor (Ng-R), and its effector Rho-A in the rat hippocampus, in association with parameters of spatial learning and memory following global cerebral ischemia, were assessed. Adult male rats were subjected to global cerebral ischemia (15 min), and treated with P 4 or its vehicle at 15 min, 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of reperfusion. Immunoreactivity to Nogo-A, Ng-R, and Rho-A was evaluated at 24 h, 72 h or 7 d, or at 14 d of reperfusion after rats were tested in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Global cerebral ischemia induced an increase in Nogo-A, Ng-R, and Rho-A immunoreactivities in the cell bodies of CA1 pyramidal neurons at 24 h after global cerebral ischemia, peaking at 72 h, and persisting 14 d later. In addition, at 72 h, a strong immunoreactivity was observed in the hippocampal layers where dendritic arborizations of CA1 pyramidal neurons are located. Treatment with P 4 reduced Nogo-A, Ng-R, and Rho-A immunoreactivities in CA1, particularly at 72 h of reperfusion. These effects of P 4 were consistent with the parameters of a more efficient spatial learning and memory in the MWM, as compared to vehicle-treated rats. Overall results suggest the reduction of neurite growth inhibitory molecules Nogo-A, Ng-R, and Rho-A, as a part of the restorative effects of progesterone possibly allowing the plastic phenomena to occur, able to support the functional preservation of the hippocampus following global cerebral ischemia.