Neuroprotective Effect of Alpha-Pinene on Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a severe neurological disorder that affected millions of people worldwide. Recent studies have shown that alpha-pinene has antioxidant effects during cerebral ischemia. The present study investigated the probable protective effects of alpha-pinene on brain infarction and neurological disability after a transient model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Materials and Methods: 30adult male Wistar rats whose weight ranged from 250 to 350 g were divided into five groups including a control group, a sham group, and three treatment groups. For ischemic stroke induction, the middle cerebral artery was occluded for 60 min followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Alpha-pinene was injected intraperitoneally at the beginning of reperfusion. The neurologic outcome, infarct volume 2, 3, 5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, and histological studies were done 24 hours after the end of artery occlusion. Results: The results showed that the application of alpha-pinene (50 and 100 mg/kg) led to a significant decrease in the infarct size as well as an improvement in neurobehavioral function. Moreover, alpha-pinene reduced the number of damaged neurons in the ischemic area. Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicated that olive oil effectively reduced ischemia, promoted reperfusion, and improved neurological outcomes. Olive oil is a potent neuroprotective factor that may prevent neurodegeneration of transient focal ischemia at the beginning of reperfusion at ischemic areas.s