Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in Wistar rats with focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.Methods:Ninety adult male Wistar rats weighing 320-350 g were randomly divided into the following groups(n=5):(a) sham control group;(b) vehicle group,subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and received vehicle intraperitoneally;(c-e) baicalin groups,which were subjected to the middle cerebral artery occlusion and treated with baicalin 25,50 and 100 mg/kg,respectively.The neurological scores were determined at postoperative 1,3 and 7 d after the treatment.The expression of protease-activated receptor-1(PAR-1),PAR-1mRNA and Caspase-3 were determined using Western blot,reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RTPCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry,respectively.Results:Significant decrease was noted in the neurological score in the baicalin group compared with that of the vehicle group(P<0.01).Additionally,down-regulation of PAR-1 mRNA,PAR-1 and Caspase-3 was observed in the baicalin groups compared with those obtained from the vehicle group(P<0.01).Compared with the low-dose baicalin group(25 mg/kg),remarkable decrease was noted in neurological score,and the expression of PAR-1 mRNA,PAR-1 as well as Caspase-3 in the high-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Baicalin showed neuro-protective effects in focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury through inhibiting the expression of PAR-1 and apoptosis.
