Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of Rhodiola Rosae P. E on the expression of c-Fos and the apoptosis of neuronal in rat brain after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods 120 Wistar rats were divided into sham group, model group and intervention group,subgrouped as 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h. The model and intervention groups underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion, and the latter accepted Rhodiola 0.672 g/kg daily for 15 d. They were assessed with Longa's score. The expression of c-Fos and apoptosis of neuronal were measured with immunohistochemistry and TUNEL. Results The expression of c-Fos in the ischemic area increased after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (P<0.01), peaking at 24 h after injury, and decreased in the intervention group (P<0.01), with the decrease of neuron apoptosis and Longa's score (P<0.01). Conclusion Rhodiola protects the brain tissue against ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting the expression of c-Fos and apoptosis in rats.

Key words: Rhodiola, ischemia/reperfusion, c-Fos, neuron, apoptosis