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Parsa Pourmohammadi1 
, Mobina Gheibi2 , Sina Baghi Keshtan3 , Erfan Ghadirzadeh4 , Melika Pourhossein5 , Ali Siahposht-Khachaki *6
, Mobina Gheibi2 , Sina Baghi Keshtan3 , Erfan Ghadirzadeh4 , Melika Pourhossein5 , Ali Siahposht-Khachaki *6
1- Animal Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Razi Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Qaemshahr, Iran. & Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3- School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
4- Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
5- School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
6- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine; Department of Physiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
2- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Razi Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Qaemshahr, Iran. & Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3- School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
4- Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
5- School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
6- Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine; Department of Physiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Abstract:
Background: Ischemic stroke often results in severe neurological impairment, particularly affecting the hippocampal CA1 region, which is highly vulnerable to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Astaxanthin (ATX), a potent antioxidant carotenoid, has demonstrated some neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. This study investigated the effects of ATX on functional, biochemical, and histological outcomes following focal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats.
Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: Intact, Sham, Stroke (MCAO), Solvent (0.1% DMSO), and ATX-treated groups (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally every 12 hours for 3 days post-MCAO). Neurological function (bederson score), motor coordination (rotarod), spatial learning (morris water maze), and memory retention (passive avoidance learning using shuttle box) were assessed. Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-1β), cerebral edema, and hippocampal CA1 histology were analyzed.
Results: Low (25 mg/kg) and medium (50 mg/kg) ATX doses significantly improved neurological and functional performance compared with untreated MCAO rats (P < 0.01). These doses increased IL-10 and reduced IL-1β levels, decreased brain water content, and preserved neuronal morphology in the CA1 region. Conversely, the high dose (100 mg/kg) conferred no significant benefit. Histopathology confirmed reduced neuronal damage and apoptosis at effective doses.
Conclusion: Post-ischemic ATX administration provides neuroprotection in a rat MCAO model, with 25–50 mg/kg yielding optimal outcomes. The observed inverted dose-response underscores the importance of precise dosing and timing. ATX represents a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic stroke pending further translational studies.
Methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: Intact, Sham, Stroke (MCAO), Solvent (0.1% DMSO), and ATX-treated groups (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally every 12 hours for 3 days post-MCAO). Neurological function (bederson score), motor coordination (rotarod), spatial learning (morris water maze), and memory retention (passive avoidance learning using shuttle box) were assessed. Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-1β), cerebral edema, and hippocampal CA1 histology were analyzed.
Results: Low (25 mg/kg) and medium (50 mg/kg) ATX doses significantly improved neurological and functional performance compared with untreated MCAO rats (P < 0.01). These doses increased IL-10 and reduced IL-1β levels, decreased brain water content, and preserved neuronal morphology in the CA1 region. Conversely, the high dose (100 mg/kg) conferred no significant benefit. Histopathology confirmed reduced neuronal damage and apoptosis at effective doses.
Conclusion: Post-ischemic ATX administration provides neuroprotection in a rat MCAO model, with 25–50 mg/kg yielding optimal outcomes. The observed inverted dose-response underscores the importance of precise dosing and timing. ATX represents a promising therapeutic candidate for ischemic stroke pending further translational studies.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Behavioral Neuroscience
Received: 2025/10/31 | Accepted: 2025/11/7
Received: 2025/10/31 | Accepted: 2025/11/7
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