Astrocyte-derived growth factor (S100β) and motor function in rats following cardiac arrest

Abstract Following 10-min cardiac arrest and resuscitation, the central serotonergic system and motor function of rats were found to be affected and later on restored. Astrocyte-derived growth factor (S100β) is known to promote survival and neurite outgrowth of serotonergic neurons. In the present study, brain levels of S100β were investigated with quantitative immunoblot analysis at various time points following cardiac arrest. Significant reductions of S100β were found in the cerebral cortex (30%), midbrain (35%), and cerebellum (46%) of rats 3 days postcardiac arrest. In contrast, at 14 and > 45 days, significant increases of S100β were detected in the cerebral cortex (57%; 81%), midbrain (70%; 97%), and cerebellum (84%; 157%). The results indicate that reactive astrocytosis and elevated levels of S100β may participate in the recovery processes following hypoxic-ischemic insults to the brain.