[Effects of Carthamus tinctorius injection on bcl-2, caspase-3 expression related to neurons apoptosis after local cerebral ischemia].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Carthamus tinctorius on bcl-2, caspase-3 expression of apoptosis of neurons.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into ischemia control group, large-dose group, middle-dose group and low-dose group. The middle cerebral artery of rats was occluded for 2h by inserting an introluminal molofilament, and reperfusion was then instituted for 4h or 22h. The brains were stained with 2, 3, 5-triphenylte trazolinm chloride for assessment of volume of infarction, and then embedded onto slides with paraffin for morphological assessment and immunohistochemistry was carried out to investigate the changes in bcl-2 and caspase-3.

RESULTS

All treated groups at different times decreased the volume of infarction (P < 0.05), while large-dose group showed more distinct decrease than other groups (P < 0.05). All treated groups at different times increased bcl-2 and decreased caspase-3 expression as well, while large-dose group showed more distinct effect (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

C. tinctorius injection can reduce the volume of cerebral infarction, and increased bcl-2 and decreased caspase-3 expression.