Vitamin E Derivative Alpha-Tocotrienol Failed to Show Neuroprotective Effects after Embolic Stroke in Rats

Objective(s) Previous studies have demonstrated that pretreatment with alpha-tocotrienol (a-TCT) can reduce ischemic damage in mice following middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. It is also reported to decrease stroke- dependent brain tissue damage in ۱۲-Lox-deficient mice and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of a-TCT and rosiglitazone (RGZ) at ۳ hr after cerebral ischemia were investigated. Materials and Methods Stroke was induced by embolizing a preformed clot into the MCA. Rats were assigned to vehicle, a-TCT (۱ or ۱۰ mg/kg), RGZ and sham-operation. Results Compared to the control group, only RGZ decreased infarct volume (P<۰.۰۵), neurological deficits (P<۰.۰۵) and sensory impairments (P<۰.۰۱) but low and high doses of a-TCT did not show any significant neuroprotective effect. Conclusion Our data showed that a-TCT was not neuroprotective at ۳ hr after the embolic model of stroke. Further studies should be undertaken to clarify the neuroprotective effects of a-TCT after stroke.

Keywords:

Alpha-tocotrienol , Cerebral ischemia , Embolic model , Neuroprotection , Vitamin E