Caspases inhibition decreases neurological sequelae in meningitis
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of sustained caspase inhibition during the acute phase of meningitis-induced brain injury. Changes in neurobehavioral performance were the primary outcome variables. Randomized prospective animal study. University research laboratory. Male Wistar rats. Animals underwent a basilar cistern inoculation of group B Streptococci to induce meningitis. Sixteen hours later animals were randomized to receive Bocaspartyl (OMe)-fluoromethyketone (BAF) for 4 days or placebo in addition to antibiotic therapy. The assessment of neurobehavioral performance was started 7 days after initiation of treatment and continued for the following 3 wks. A subgroup underwent early kill, at 5 days, to evaluate caspase 3 activity in brain tissue. There was a group of Sham instrumented animals. BAF decreased caspase 3 activation in meningitic animals. There were no significant motor deficit differences between the infected groups. Cognitive performance was significantly improved in the BAF group. These findings demonstrate that sustained systemic administration of BAF inhibits caspase 3 activation and decreases neurologic sequelae in a rat model of bacterial meningitis.
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Brain Injury & Trauma
brain injury after impact to the head is due to both immediate mechanical effects and delayed responses of neural tissues.
Apoptotic Caspases
Apoptotic caspases belong to the protease enzyme family and are known to play an essential role in inflammation and programmed cell death. Here is the latest research.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Here is the latest research.
Bacterial Meningitis (ASM)
Bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Here is the latest research.