In vivo evidence that erythropoietin has a neuroprotective effect during subarachnoid hemorrhage

To ascertain in vivo whether recombinant human erythropoietin has a neuroprotective effect on the cortex during subarachnoid hemorrhage, 56 rabbits were divided into the following groups: Group 1 control sham operated plus placebo (n = 14; saline solution NaCl 0.9%); Group 2 control sham operated plus recombinant human erythropoietin (n = 14); Group 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage plus placebo (n = 14); Group 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage plus recombinant human erythropoietin (n = 14; intraperitoneal administration of recombinant human erythropoietin immediately after inducing subarachnoid hemorrhage). In none of the Groups 1 and 2 animals was subarachnoid hemorrhage induced. In Group 3 rabbits, an increase in locomotor activity (open field apparatus) was observed 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, and the mortality rate was 42.9% within 72 h after surgery, and, no increase in locomotor activity was observed in Group 4 rabbits, which survived for at least 72 h. Our findings suggest that recombinant human erythropoietin may be of benefit in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.