Neuroprotective Efficacy of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma Ligand in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion can cause learning and memory impairment and neuronal damage resembling the effects observed in vascular dementia. PPAR-gamma agonists were shown to modulate inflammatory response and neuronal death following cerebral ischemia. The present study was designed to evaluate possible neuroprotective effects of rosiglitazone, a PPAR-gamma agonist, in rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by permanent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Oral administration of rosiglitazone (1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was carried out for 5 weeks, starting one week before the surgery. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Morris water maze. The density of S100B protein-immunoreactive astrocytes and the OX-42-labeled microglial activation were estimated. Synaptogenesis was also evaluated by the measurement of synaptophysin, the pre-synaptic vesicular protein, level via western blotting technique.