Neuroprotective effects of trehalose following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats

Ischemic stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the population. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion is widely accepted to mimic stroke in basic medical research. Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide compound found naturally in most organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, invertebrates and even in plants except for vertebrates. Its protective role has been shown in various neurological disorders. In the current study, the MCAO model was used to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of trehalose. In this experimental study, 32 Male Wistar rats were subjected to MCAO following 24 h of reperfusion. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated control group (Sham), middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, trehalose (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment + MCAO groups. Trehalose was intraperitoneally injected 3- and 6 hours post-ischemia. After 24 hours of reperfusion and evaluation of the intensity of neurological dysfunction via a modified Rogers scale, the brains were removed and the volume of ischemia was stained using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Compared with the control group, trehalose administration with dosages of 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly decreased the modified Rogers score (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) and reduced the volume of ischemia (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). Trehalose in the MCAO model has a protective effect. The findings of the current study suggest that trehalose can be a potential therapeutic option in ischemic strokes; however, this study was preliminary and further studies are needed.