Safflor Protected Rat Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting the Expression of NF-kB and IL-1β

Objective: To observe the neutoprotective effect of the safflor on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rat. Methods: Sixty-six rats were divided into six groups: the sham operation group, model group and four treat groups, with 11 rats in each group. Preconditioning with safflor (0.8, 1.6, 3.2 ml/kgd) and Nimodipine (2 ml/kgd) in treat groups respectively, and equal volume of saline in sham operation group and model group by peritoneal injection for 15 days before operation. To establish the focal cerebral ischemia model through right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats neurological function defected score and measurement of infarct volume was evaluated 24 hours later, and the level of Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ΚB) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in peripheral zone of ischemia was detected by immunohistochemisty. Results: The neurological function defect score in treatment groups is lower, and the volume of infarcted tissue is reduced significantly as compared to the model group (P <0.05). The level of NF-ΚB and IL-1β protein in treatment groups is also significantly decreased contrast with the model group (P <0.05). Conclusion: Safflor possesses obvious neuroprotective effect on the cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats, which may work in suppressing the activity of NF-ΚB and the expression of IL-1β protein.