Validation of effect of Pioglitazone on acute phase changes induced by partial global cerebral ischemia in mice

Objective: Present study was carried out to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of pioglitazone on acute phase changes in mice model of cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: Male mice weighing 20–30 gm were used in the study. BCCAO model was used to induce partial global cerebral ischemia. Animals were divided into 3 groups and following parameters were assessed (infarct size, brain edema, MDA, SOD, Catalase, GPx &TNF (). Postischemic seizure susceptibility was assessed using subconvulsive dose of PTZ (30 mg/kg i.p.). Results: BCCAO induced significant brain infarct size and edema in control group with increase oxidative stress. Pioglitazone (20 mg/kg orally) has shown neuroprotective effects by reducing cerebral infarct size significantly as compared to control group. Postischemic seizure susceptibility was also reduced as number of positive responders decreased to a significant number. Brain edema was subsided to a significant level. Pioglitazone has reduced the plasma TNF‐ a and improved antioxidant parameters levels as compared to ischemia group significantly. Conclusion: Pioglitazone showed neuroprotection against ischemic insult suggesting the role of PPAR ? agonist as neuroprotective agents. (Supported by PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.) Key words: Cerebral ischemia, pioglitazone, PPAR‐gamma, neuroprotection