Pannexin-1 is involved in neuronal apoptosis and degeneration in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Pannexins serve an important role in the regulation of extracellular neuronal regenerative currents and cellular signal transduction of glial cells; however, the effects of pannexins in various cerebrovascular diseases have not been reported. The present study focused on the expression and influence of pannexins in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and confirmed that pannexins (including Pannexin-1, Pannexin-2 and Pannexin-3) are expressed in rat brain tissues. However, only the expression of Pannexin-1 was significantly increased and peaked 48 h post-ICH. Following treatment with carbenoxolone (CBX), which is an inhibitor of Pannexin-1, apoptosis and neuronal degeneration in the brain tissues around the ICH hematoma decreased. The extent of secondary brain injury due to ICH was also alleviated. Compared with rats in the ICH-only group, recovery of neurocognitive functions improved significantly in the CBX-treated groups. Results from the present study suggested that the upregulation of Pannexin-1 expression may be involved in apoptosis and degeneration of neurons in the rat brain following ICH, and may contribute to subsequent cognitive dysfunction.