Neuroprotective Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Hyperoxia-Induced Toxicity in the Neonatal Rat Brain

Figure 2

Effect of dexmedetomidine on hyperoxia-modified GSH and GSSG levels in the developing brain. (a) Reduced GSH levels were evident in total rat brain extracts 24 h after the initiation of hyperoxia (black bar) when compared to normoxic animals (white bar). These levels were increased through dexmedetomidine (DEX) pretreatment in a concentration dependent manner (hatched grey bars: 1, 5, and 10 μg/kg). (b) Increased levels of oxidized GSSG were obvious in total brain extracts at 24 h of hyperoxia (black bar) when compared with normoxic control animals (white bar). These levels were decreased through pretreatment with DEX (hatched grey bars: 1, 5, and 10 μg/kg). (c) Reduced GSH/GSSG ratio levels were evident in rat brain extracts at 24 h of hyperoxia (black bar) when compared to normoxic control animals (white bar). These levels were upregulated through DEX pretreatment (hatched grey bars: 1, 5, and 10 μg/kg). Application of dexmedetomidine under room air (grey bars) showed no effect on GSH or GSSG levels. Bars represent mean + SEM; per group; ^*** versus normoxia/control; ^### versus hyperoxia.

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