RESUMEN
Purpose To observe the protective effects of low molecular hirudo peptides on focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used to prepare focal cerebral ischemia and the neurological scores and infarction area of brain slices, and water content of brains were assessed. Superoxide dismustase (SOD) activity and malondi-aldehyde ( MDA) content in homogenate of ischemic brain tissue were determined by spectrophotometric assay. Results Hirudo peptides could reduce the percentage of infarction area and the water content in the cerebral hemisphere, increase SOD activity and decrease MDA content in ischemic brain tissue. Conclusion Low molecular hirudo peptides have protective effects on focal cerebral ischemia injury, and its mechanism may be related to the antioxidant action.