Weisheng-Tang Ameliorates Acute Ischemic Brain Damage in Mice by Maintaining Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity

Figure 5

The protective effect of Weisheng-tang on ischemic brain damage was mediated by PAR-1 reduction. Mice were pretreated via oral administration of 300 mg/kg of Weisheng-tang (, each group) or PBS (sham group, ) once daily for 4 days prior to ischemic insult, as well as 1 h prior to the procedure. PAR-1 agonist (TFLLR-NH₂: 3 μmol/kg in 40 μL saline) or control peptide (RLLFT-NH₂: 3 μmol/kg in 40 μL saline) was injected into the tail vein 30 min prior to ischemic brain injury. Twenty-four hours after focal cerebral ischemia, the mouse brains were harvested and stained with 2% TTC solution. (a) Representative photographs of brain sections stained with TTC. White region indicates the infarct area. (b–e) Quantification graphs of direct infarct volume (b) and edema (c). Neurological score (d) and wire-grip tests (e) were performed to evaluate functional outcomes. and vs. control group; ^# and ^## vs. control peptide cotreated group with Weisheng-tang. TTC: 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride.

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