Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of morroniside on activation of caspase-3 in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. MethodsThe model was induced with occlusion of middle cerebral artery with suture embolus, ischemia for 30 min, and reperfusion for 72 h in rats. Vitamin E used for the positive control. The activity of caspase-3 was detected with spectrophotometry. ResultsCompared with sham group, the caspase-3 activity increased obviously in model rat. Compared with model group, Morroniside (30 mg/kg,90 mg/kg,270 mg/kg) decreased the activation of caspase-3 remarkably, which was dose-dependent (P<0.05). ConclusionMorroniside may reduce apoptosis by decreasing the activation of caspase-3 in rats.

Key words: Morroniside, ischemia/reperfusion, caspase-3, apoptosis