Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of cerebral white matter damage in premature rats induced by intrauterine infection.Methods30 mature pregnant Wistar-Imamichi rats were divided into the experimental group (n=18) and control group (n=12). The rats of the experimental group were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 0.2 mg/kg in abdomen on 15th and 16th day after gestation. Those of the control group were injected with distilled water in equal volume. 45 premature rats born in the experimental group and 45 full-term rats born in the control group were tested with RIA for interleukin-6 (IL-6). The brain tissues of another 47 premature rats and 41 full-term rats were stained with HE method. Finally water content in brain tissue were tested in 50 premature rats and 50 full-term rats.ResultsIL-6 concentration of brain tissue of the premature rats in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.01); and water content of the premature rats' brain was also higher than that of the full-term rats ( P<0.01). The edema of periventricular white matter, loose neuropil, decreased cell numbers, broaden intercellular space, and cell swelling and rupture were found in the brain tissue of the premature rats, no abnormal form and structure were found in the control group.ConclusionWhite matter damage of premature rats can be caused by endotoxin, and accompanied by IL-6 and water contents increasing.

Key words: lipopolysaccharide, cerebral palsy, white matter damage