Ameliorative effects of Gualou Guizhi decoction on inflammation in focal cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury

Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) is a well-established Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation which has long been used to treat stroke in a clinical setting in China. The present study investigated the ameliorative effects of GLGZD on inflammation in focal cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was employed. Rats were administrated GLGZD (7.2 and 14.4 g/kg per day) or saline as control 2 h after reperfusion and daily over the following seven days. Neurological deficit score and screen test were evaluated at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after MCAO. Brain infarct size and brain histological changes were observed via 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and regular hematoxylin & eosin staining. Furthermore, inflammation mediators and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were investigated using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. GLGZD treatment significantly improved neurological function, ameliorated histological changes to the brain and decreased infarct size in focal cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury. GLGZD was found to significantly reduce interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and NF-κB levels, while increasing levels of IL-10. In conclusion, the present study suggested that GLGZD has a neuroprotective effect on focal cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury and this effect is likely to be associated with the anti-inflammatory function of GLGZD.