Effect of N-acetylcysteine on nuclear factor-κB and intercellular adhesion molecules-1 expression after traumatic brain injury in rats

Objective To explore the effect of NAC on NF-κB and ICAM-1 expression after traumatic brain injury(TBI) in rats,and discuss the mechanisms of neuro-protection by NAC.Methods Ninety adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham group(n=6),TBI group(n=42) and NAC group(n=42).The experimental TBI model was established by Feeney's method.Samples were obtained after injury for inspecting the expression of ICAM-1 and NF-κB proteins by immunochemical method.Results Compared with the sham group,the expression levels of ICAM-1 and NF-κB were significantly increased after traumatic brain injury,and NAC significantly decreased the expression of ICAM-1 and NF-κB.Conclusion Expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1 decreased by NAC might be one of the mechanisms in regulating ICAM-1,NF-κB level and inhibiting inflammation in cortex and exerting protective function to neurons.