Striatal cytomegalic neurons containing nitric oxide are associated with experimental perinatal asphyxia: implication of cold treatment.

LOIDL CF, CAPANI F, LOPEZ-COSTA JJ, LOPEZ E, SELVIN-TESTA A, PECCI-SAAVEDRA J.

MEDICINA

Año: 1996 vol. 56 p. 169 - 172

0076-6046

Neuropathological mechanisms triggered by excitatory aminoacids are known to involve nitric oxide (NO). Neurons containing NO are histochemically reactive to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), which labels NO synthase in CNS. Sprague-Dawley male rats subjected to perinatal asphyxia (PA) at 37 degrees C, and PA plus 15 degrees C hypothermia were evaluated when 6 months old by NADPH-d histochemical reaction. Computarized image analysis was used for quantification of stained sections. NADPH-d neurons in striatum from subsevere and severe PA showed a significant increment in soma size and dendritic process length versus control and hypothermic treated rats. Post-ischemic damage neurons are therefore involved in NO changes induced by PA that may be prevented by hypothermia treatment.