Effect of Rhubarb on Neurological Injury and Apoptosis in ICH rats

Objective The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of rhubarb for ICH,as well as its mechanism.Methods ICH was produced in adult Spargue-Dawley rats by injection of collagenase IV(0.05U/0.5uL).Intraperitoneal injection of rhubarb (70mg/kg) or saline,was started at 3,6 or 12 hours post-ICH respectivdy.Casepase-3 activity.TUNEL and neurological behavior function were performed 24hours after ICH.Results Rhubarb siven at 3 or 6 hours can inhibit casepase-3 activity(P<0.001),reduce TUNEL positive cells(P<0.05) and attenuate apomorphine-induced rotation(P<0.05) at 24 hours after ICH.However,the animals which were treated 12 hours showed no improvement.Conclusion Rhubarb may be a potential drug for ICH patients for its possible effect of inhibiting apoptosis. Key words: Intraccrebral hemorrhage; Rhubarb; Apoptosis