OBJECTIVETo explore the changes in the expression of pineal clock genes in rats with chronic cerebral ischemia and evaluate the effect of intervention with Wulongdan, a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, on these changes.

METHODSMale SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, chronic cerebral ischemia model group, and treatment group. In the latter two groups, chronic cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent ligation of the bilateral carotid arteries, and in the treatment group, Wulongdan was administered intragastrically on a daily basis for 3 weeks after the operation. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was employed to examine the changes in the pineal expressions of Clock, Bmal1, and Per1 mRNA after the treatment.

RESULTSIn the model group, the expression levels of Clock and Per1 mRNA were significantly lowered compared to those in the sham-operated group (P<0.01, P<0.05), but Bmal1 mRNA expression showed no significant changes (P>0.05). Wulongdan treatment caused a significant increase in pineal lock mRNA expression compared to the model group (P<0.01), and significantly reduced pineal Bmal1 expression as compared to the sham-operated group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in Per1 mRNA expression between the treatment group and the model group.

CONCLUSIONSThe changes in the expressions of the pineal clock genes in rats with chronic cerebral ischemia suggest the association between chronic cerebral ischemia and sleep disorders. Wulongdan can mitigate sleep disorders caused by chronic cerebral ischemia.