Nicotinamide therapy protects against both necrosis and apoptosis in a stroke model.

OBJECTIVE

Nicotinamide protects against brain damage in ischemia-reperfusion. However, the dosage and time of treatment require clarification. It is also not clear if nicotinamide can protect against both necrosis and apoptosis.

METHODS

Dose-response and time-effect studies were designed. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min. Different doses of nicotinamide were injected upon reperfusion. In time-effect studies, 500 mg/kg nicotinamide was administered at different times after the onset of reperfusion. Neurological finding scores were recorded. Infarct volumes were measured.

RESULTS

In contrast to controls, neurological deficit scores and infarct volumes were greatly reduced by treatment with nicotinamide. The ED(50) of nicotinamide was 239+/-79 mg/kg (P=.95). It was found that nicotinamide injected during the first 6 h of reperfusion could effectively inhibit the development of brain damage. The optimal dose of nicotinamide was 500 mg/kg and gave a maximal response.

CONCLUSIONS

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) plays a key role in DNA repair in stroke. Excessive PARP activity consumes NAD leading to energy depletion and neuronal damage. As an inhibitor of PARP, nicotinamide promotes the supply of energy. The results suggest that early application of nicotinamide at a suitable dosage significantly ameliorates necrotic and apoptotic brain injury after focal ischemia-reperfusion.