Methyl jasmonate delays the latency to anoxic convulsions by normalizing the brain levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and serum corticosterone contents in mice with repeated anoxic stress

Objectives Repeated exposure to anoxic stress damages the brain through cortisol-mediated increases in oxidative stress and cellular-antioxidants depletion. Thus, compounds with antioxidant property might confer protection against anoxic stress-induced brain injuries. In this study, we further examined the protective effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ), a potent anti-stress agent against anoxic stress-induced convulsions in mice. Methods Thirty-six male Swiss mice randomized into six groups (n=6) were given MJ (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (10 mL/kg, i.p.) 30 min before 15 min daily exposure to anoxic stress for 7 days. The latency(s) to anoxic convulsion was recorded on day 7. The blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels were measured afterwards. The brains were also processed for the determination of malondialdehyde, nitrite, and glutathione levels. Results Methyl jasmonate (MJ) delayed the latency to anoxic convulsion and reduced the blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels. The increased malondialdehyde and nitrite contents accompanied by decreased glutathione concentrations in mice with anoxic stress were significantly attenuated by MJ. Conclusions These findings further showed that MJ possesses anti-stress property via mechanisms relating to the reduction of serum contents of corticosterone and normalization of brain biomarker levels of oxidative stress in mice with anoxic stress.

Keywords: anti-stress; antioxidant; corticosterone; hypoxia; methyl jasmonate; neuroprotection.