Effect of baicalin on the brain expression of GAT-1 and GABA_AR after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Objective: To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of GABA transporter GAT-1 and GABA receptor GABAAR in the brain after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.Methods: The intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by collagenase+heparin sodium in rats.The rats were treated with baicalin or saline.The brain tissues were isolated,and frozen sections were prepared for immunohistochemical examination at 12,24,72 h and 7 days after intracerebral hemorrhage.The numbers of GAT-1 and GABAAR positive neurons were calculated and the average optical density was detected.Results: GAT-1 expression was up-regulated after intracerebral hemorrhage.GABAAR expression was up-regulated 12 h,but obviously decreased 24 h after intracerebral hemorrhage.On the 7th day after intracerebral hemorrhage,both expressions were not significantly different from that in sham group.Baicalin obviously decreased the number of GAT-1 positive neurons,and increased GABAAR positive neurons after intracerebral hemorrhage.The average optical density was positively correlated with the number of positive neurons.Conclusion: GAT-1 and GABAAR are involved in neuron injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.Baicalin has a protective effect on brain damage after intracerebral hemorrhage through inhibiting GAT-1 expression and enhancing GABAAR expression.