IN-SITU DETECTION OF DNA FRAGMENTATION AFTER FOCAL CEREBRAL-ISCHEMIA IN MICE

Brains from 5 mice subjected to focal ischemia (2 hours) - reperfusion (22 h), revealed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in cells exhibiting DNA fragmentation (100-200 per section) - ipsilateral hemisphere compared to 0-3 per section found in the contralateral hemisphere and normal (n = 5) and sham operated (n = 5) mice. Neurons were the predominant cells (90-95%) exhibiting DNA fragmentation, and were primarily located in the inner boundary zone to the infarct. Apoptosis may contribute to the development of infarct after transient focal cerebral ischemia.