Exogenous spermine reduces ischemic damage in a model of focal cerebral ischemia in the rat

Alterations in polyamine metabolism during and after global or focal cerebr al ischemia can produce a multiplicity of effects on brain such as modifica tion in mitochondria calcium buffering capacity, exacerbating glutamate-med iated neurotoxicity, and impairment of the blood-brain barrier. In this stu dy, the endogenous polyamine spermine was administered intravenously 30 min prior to temporary focal cerebral ischemia in rats induced by clipping of the left middle cerebral and bilateral common carotid arteries for 3 h. Thr ee days after removal of the microclips, intracardiac perfusion with 2% 2,3 ,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride was performed. Coronal slices were cut, p hotographed, and examined for cortical infarct volume. Spermine reduced inf arct volume in a dose-dependent fashion. This study demonstrates that the u se of polyamines may be considered as a powerful tool in prevention of isch emic tissue damage following focal cerebral ischemia. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.