NEUROFILAMENT (NF-L) IN THE RAT CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA EXPERIMENT

Introduction. Additionally to electrophysiological and clinical methods the neurofilament light chains (Nf-L) concentration in blood plasma is considered as a marker for predicting functional outcomes. The aim of the study. Assessment of neurofilament light chains (Nf-L) level in plasma in 21 days after experimental stroke. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on mature male rats of the SHR lines (n = 20) and WKY (n = 20) weighing 250 ± 50 g. Cerebral ischemia was performed by monofilament occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery under anesthesia (Zoletil +Xylazine) at a dose of 0,88 ml/kg. Results. On Day 1 post- MCA occlusion, WKY animals had a Garcia score 6 and SHR rats had a score 5 out of 18. WKY testing data on days 3, 5, and 7 revealed decreased muscle strength (MCAo: 2.0 ± 0.1 N; Sham: 3.0 ± 0.2N; p < 0.05). SHR testing data on on days 3, 5 revealed a decrease (MCAo: 1.9 ± 0.2N; Sham: 3.0 ± 0.2N, p < 0.05). At the same postoperative time, the Nf-L concentration in SHR animals was 2.7-fold higher compared to controls and different from WKY animals. Conclusion. The change in Nf-L concentration in rats after SHR stroke is more pronounced than in WKY rats. A change in the concentration of Nf-L in blood plasma indicates the predominant course of destructive processes in the nervous tissue. Stroke in SHR rats is accompanied by a more pronounced and prolonged decrease in muscle strength and impaired coordination.