Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Adjusts NeuN/GFAP in a Murine Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Injury

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on a model of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), we investigated the changes in neuronal cells and astrocytes after pre-treatment with GSPE. Methods: Seven-day-old pups were randomly divided into sham, HI, and GSPE+HI groups. The HIE model was established using a modified Rice-Vannucci method. GSPE was injected intraperitoneally 20 min before surgery. The change in markers of neuronal cells and astrocytes (NeuN/GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results: Compared with the sham group, the expression of NeuN in the HI group was significantly reduced, and the expression of NeuN was significantly increased after GSPE pre-treatment. The expression of GFAP was opposite to NeuN. Conclusion: Our study showed that GSPE pre-treatment significantly protected neurons and inhibited astrocyte over-proliferation. Therefore, we believe that GSPE is a potential drug for the treatment of HIE and can prevent brain damage caused by hypoxia and ischemia.