Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates structural disruption of the blood-brain barrier to protect the central nervous system in ischemia/reperfusion

摘要: Abstract Aim Although ginsenoside Rg1 possesses potent neuroprotective effects, it cannot easily be transported to brain parenchyma because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study was aimed verify hypothesis that effect might mainly derived from its direct protective effects on BBB. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by using suture insertion method followed 22 reperfusion. In Rg1-treated group, (45 mg·kg−1) administrated via tail venous (i.v.) 1 before focal ischemia and 3 after The integrity BBB measured in vivo, MDA SOD estimated vitro. expression activity matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor (TIMPs) mRNA, determined evaluate structure both vivo Results ischemia/reperfusion rats, EB dye extravasation, MMPs increased as compared sham while these increases inhibited. TIMP-2 mRNA decreased decreases ameliorated. results vitro models consistent with those models. Conclusion Ginsenoside may exert CNS indirectly protecting BBB, through BMECs reducing pathological conditions.