Effects of normobaric hyperoxia in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Recent studies suggest that normobaric hyperoxia can be beneficial, if administered during transient stroke. However, increased oxygenation theoretically may increase oxygen free-radical injury, particularly during reperfusion. In the present study, the authors assessed the benefit and risks of hyperoxia during focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Rats were subjected to hyperoxia (FIO2 100%) or normoxia (FIO2 30%) during 2-hour filament occlusion and 1-hour reperfusion of the middle cerebral artery. At 24 hours, the hyperoxia group showed 70% (total) and 92% (cortical) reduction in infarct volumes as compared to the normoxia group. Levels of oxidative stress were evaluated using three indirect methods. First, since oxygen free radicals increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, Evan's blue dye extravasation was quantified to assess BBB damage. Second, the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a heat shock protein inducible by oxidative stress, was assessed using Western blot techniques. Third, an immunoblot technique ("OxyBlot") was used to assess levels of protein carbonyl formation as a marker of oxidative stress-induced protein denaturation. At 24 hours, Evan's blue dye extravasation per average lesion volume was similar between groups. There were no significant differences in HO-1 induction and protein carbonyl formation between groups, in the ipsilateral or contralateral hemispheres, at 6 hours and at 24 hours. These results indicate that hyperoxia treatment during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is neuroprotective, and does not increase oxidative stress.