Ceria Nanoparticles Synthesized With Aminocaproic Acid for the Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— Despite early aneurysm repair and aggressive management for complications, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) results in at least 25% mortality rate and 50% persistent neurological deficit. We investigated whether ceria nanoparticles which have potent antioxidative activities can protect against subarachnoid hemorrhage via attenuating fatal brain injuries. Methods— Uniform, 3 nm, water-dispersed ceria nanoparticles were prepared from short sol-gel reaction of cerium (III) ions with aminocaproic acid in aqueous phase. SAH was induced by endovascular perforation of middle cerebral artery of rats. A single dose of ceria nanoparticles (0.5 mg Ce/kg) or saline control was randomly administered intravenously at an hour post-SAH. Neuronal death, macrophage infiltration, SAH grade, and brain edema were evaluated at 72 hours. Mortality and neurological function were assessed for 14 days. Results— The obtained ceria nanoparticles with high Ce3+ to Ce4+ ratio demonstrated potent antioxidative, cyt...