METHODS: We performed an experimental study using 32 Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: sham group (n = 8), SAH group (n = 8), 2-APB group (SAH rats intraperitoneally administered with 0.5 mg/kg 2-APB; n = 8), and 2-APB-2 group (SAH rats intraperitoneally administered with 2 mg/kg 2-APB; n = 8). The rats were sacrificed after 24 hours, and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β in the brain tissue and serum were measured. The histopathological investigation of brain tissue included measurement of the luminal diameter and wall thickness of the basilar artery (BA), and apoptotic cells in the hippocampus were counted after caspase staining.
RESULTS: Autologous arterial blood injection into the cisterna magna caused vasospasm in rats. 2-APB treatment increased the BA wall thickness and reduced the BA lumen diameter, inducing significant vascular changes. 2-APB also alleviated cell apoptosis at 24 hours after SAH.
CONCLUSIONS: In experimental SAH in rats, 2-APB treatment increased the BA wall thickness and reduced the BA lumen diameter, inducing significant vascular changes. 2-APB also alleviated cell apoptosis at 24 hours after SAH.