Paeoniflorin has anti-inflammation and neurogenesis functions through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats

Objective(s): Paeoniflorin (PF) has anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and neuroprotection pharmacological effects against ischemic injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotection mechanisms of PF in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats.Materials and Methods: We established an animal model of cerebral infarct by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for ۱۵ min, followed by reperfusion, and PF was administered ۲۴ hr later (۲۰ mg/kg, intraperitoneally for ۶ days) after reperfusionResults: Treatment with PF reduced the neurological deficit score, improved motor function, decreased cell counts of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α۴β۲ immunoreactive cells, and increased cell counts of nAChR α۷. Furthermore, PF administration suppressed neuronal apoptosis and promoted neurogenesis.Conclusion: PF rescued neurological deficit and underlying mechanisms were inhibition of neurological apoptosis and inflammation by nAChRs.

Keywords:

Apoptosis , Inflammation , Neurogenesis , Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor , Paeoniflorin , Stroke