Neuroprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine amide on experimental focal penetrating brain injury in rats

• Background The beneficial effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on CNS ischemia and after TBI in animal models are well documented. However, the bioavailability of NAC is very low. N-acetylcysteine Amide (NACA) is a newly modified form of N-acetylcysteine that contains an amide group in place of the carboxyl group of NAC. NACA has more efficient membrane permeation and crosses the blood brain barrier. We examined the effects of NACA in the secondary inflammatory response following focal penetrating TBI in rats. Material and methods Focal penetrating TBI were produced in a total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats randomly selected for treatment (n=5), non-treatment (n=5) and sham (n=4). The treated animals were given NACA 300 mg/kg ip after 5 min and in the 24h survival group a bolus of 300 mg/kg ip after 4h. After 2h and 24h the brains were removed, cut in 14 µm coronal sections and subjected to immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Fluoro-Jade and TUNEL analyses. Results NACA treatment decreased neuronal degeneration by Fluoro-Jade at 24h (p

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

vet (subject category)