Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effects of different environmental intervention on neurofilament (NF) expression in rats after unilateral local cerebral infarction. MethodsAfter middle cerebral artery occluded (MCAO) by electric coagulation, 125 male SD rats were randomly divided into individual living group (n=30, living alone in small standard cages), social communication group (n=30, 5 as a group living in large standard stages ), learning group(n=30, 15 as a group living in exploratory cages), enriched environment group (n=30, 5 as a group living in EE cages) and sham operated group(n=5). The rats were randomly sacrificed at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th day after MCAO. The expressions of NF in peri-ischemic cortex were detected with immunohistochemistry staining. ResultsThe expression of NF in the peri-ischemia cortex in enriched environment group and learning group was higher than that in other two groups (P<0.01) after 7 days, it also was higher in social communication group than that in individual living group (P<0.05). ConclusionEnriched environment and learning could enhance NF expression in rats after unilateral local cerebral infarction.

Key words: cerebral infarction, enriched environment, learning, rat, neurofilament