Protective Effects Of Perfluorooctyl-Bromide Nanoparticles On Early Brain Injuries Following Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage In Rats

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of perfluorooctyl-bromide (PFOB) nanoparticles on early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Methods:Male, healthy SD rats (n=90) were used and were divided into three groups:Sham operation group (n=30), SAH group (n=30) and SAH+PFOB group (n=30). An SAH model was produced using blood injection through the prechiasmatic cistern. Brain water content was measured 24 hours after surgery. Meanwhile, morphological changes in the rat hippocampal CA1 region were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The rate of neuronal apoptosis in rat hippocampal CA1 region was determined using TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemical staining was performed. Protein expression levels of Caspase-3 were measured using western blot assays 12,24,48, and 72 hours postoperatively.Results:Compared to the SAH group, the SAH+PFOB group had significantly lower brain water content (P< 0.01). Electron microscopy revealed reduction of neuronal apoptosis, alleviation of glial cell swelling, and mitigation of perivascular edema in the hippocampal region. Immunohistochemical data showed that the expression of apoptosis-related factors Caspase-3 was significantly reduced. TUNEL staining showed that neuronal apoptosis was significantly reduced in the hippocampal CA1 region (P< 0.01). Western blot data indicated that the expressions of Caspase-3 significantly reduced at 12,24,48, and 72 hours after SAH (P <0.01).Conclusion:We demonstrate that PFOB nanoparticles with high oxygen content could counteract ischemia and hypoxia, block neuronal apoptotic pathways, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and achieve neuroprotective effects in EBI following SAH.