Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tongxinluo by the dynamic changes of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) on local cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated control group, normal saline control groups (24-hour and 5-day) and Tongxinluo treatment groups(24-hour and 5-day). Animals in the latter four groups were subjected to focal ischemia by filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 90 min. At the different end point, the expression of MMP-9 were assayed using immunohistochemistry staining method. ResultsCompared with the control groups, the expressions of MMP-9 were significantly decreased in both 24-hour and 5-day Tongxinluo treatment groups(P<0.05).ConclusionThe protective effects of Tongxinluo on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury may be mediated by pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9 activity.The protective effects of Tongxinluo on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury may be mediated by pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9 activity.

Key words: Tongxinluo, cerebral ischemia, ischemic-reperfusion injury, matrix metalloproteinase-9