Neuroprotective effects of Naoxintong against neuronal injury in hippocampal CA1 region following transient forebrain ischemia in rats

OBJECTIVE To examine the neuroprotective effects of Naoxintong and Zhongfenghuichunwan on neuronal injury in CA1 region of rat hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia. METHODS Transient rat forebrain ischemia for 15 min was induced by modified four-vessel occlusion method. The density of survived pyramidal cells (neurons per 1 mm linear length) in CA1 region of the hippocampus was measured under light microscope. RESULTS In Naoxintong or nimodipine-treated rats, the density of survived pyramidal cells in CA1 region was significantly greater than that of saline group (P<0.05, P<0.001, respectively), but oral administration of Zhongfenghuichunwan had no obvious effect on ischemia-induced neuronal damage in CA1 region. CONCLUSION Naoxintong can protect CA1 neurons against ischemic insult in rats.