EDB-mediated neuroprotection against acute ischemic brain injury is associated with reduced central and peripheral inflammation

Abstract

Post-stroke inflammation is instrumental in the cascade of secondary injury, and it is orchestrated by resident microglia, astrocytes, and circulating immune cells. Controlling the destructive inflammatory response is a promising avenue for stroke therapy. Edaravone dexborneol (EDB) has been identified as a clinical protectant for stroke management. However, the impact of systemic EDB administration on the central and peripheral inflammation following stroke has not been fully characterized. In this study, we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of EDB on the central and peripheral immune systems in a mouse model of experimental stroke. Our results indicate that EDB administration significantly ameliorated MCAO-induced infarction and neurological deficits by regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Specifically, EDB restrained the polarization of M1 microglia and A1-type astrocytes, as well as the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, EDB upregulated tight junction expression and attenuated the accumulation of peripheral leukocytes in the ischemic brain. Additionally, systemic EDB administration inhibited the expression of M1 macrophages and the macrophage-dependent inflammatory response in the spleen and blood. These data indicate that EDB plays a neuroprotective role in acute ischemic brain injury by regulating the central and peripheral inflammation mediated by brain-resident microglia, astrocytes, and circulating leukocytes.