Systemic administration of a water-soluble hexasulfonated C-60 (FC4S) reduces cerebral ischemia-induced infarct volume in gerbils

Buckminsterfullerence and its derivatives have recently been shown to exhib it considerable in vivo biological activities. A water-soluble hexasulfonat ed C-60 (FC4S) has been shown to protect against oxidative stress. Neuropro tective effects of FC4S were investigated in the present study. Focal cereb ral ischemia was produced by a permanent occlusion of the right middle cere bral artery in gerbils. Infarct volumes were determined by 2,3,5-triphenylt etrazolium chloride transcardiac perfusion 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Ch ronic pretreatment of FC4S (0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally for 2 weeks) significantly reduced the infarct volume (by 42% and 68%, respective ly) when compared to that of the control group. Results revealed that chron ic pretreatment of FC4S may protect the brain against focal cerebral ischem ia. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.