Anatomy & Cell Biology  2013;46(3):183-190

doi:10.5115/acb.2013.46.3.183

Neuroprotective effects of tanshinone I from Danshen extract in a mouse model of hypoxia-ischemia.

Jae Chul LEE 1 ; Joon Ha PARK ; Ok Kyu PARK ; In Hye KIM ; Bing Chun YAN ; Ji Hyeon AHN ; Seung Hae KWON ; Jung Hoon CHOI ; Jong Dai KIM ; Moo Ho WON

Affiliations

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Keywords

Hypoxia-ischemia; Neuronal death; Neuroprotection; Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Hypoxia-ischemia leads to serious neuronal damage in some brain regions and is a strong risk factor for stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of tanshinone I (TsI) derived from Danshen (Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract) against neuronal damage using a mouse model of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. Brain infarction and neuronal damage were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin and eosin histochemistry, and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence. Pre-treatment with TsI (10 mg/kg) was associated with a significant reduction in infarct volume 1 day after hypoxia-ischemia was induced. In addition, TsI protected against hypoxia-ischemia-induced neuronal death in the ipsilateral region. Our present findings suggest that TsI has strong potential for neuroprotection against hypoxic-ischemic damage. These results may be used in research into new anti-stroke medications.