Point application withAngong Niuhuang sticker protects hippocampal and cortical neurons in rats with cerebral ischemia

摘要

Angong Niuhuang pill, a Chinese materia medica preparation, can improve neurological func-tions after acute ischemic stroke. Because of its inconvenient application and toxic components (Cinnabaris andRealgar), we used transdermal enhancers to deliverAngong Niuhuang pill by modern technology, which expanded the safe dose range and clinical indications. In this study, Angong Niuhuang stickers administered at different point application doses (1.35, 2.7, and 5.4 g/kg) were administered to theDazhui (DU14), Qihai(RN6) andMingmen (DU4) of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia, for 4 weeks. The Morris water maze was used to determine the learning and memory ability of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe neuronal damage of the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region in rats with chronic cerebral ischemia. The middle- and high-dose point application ofAngong Niuhuangstickers attenuated neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region, and improved the memory of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia with an efifcacy similar to interventions by electroacupuncture at Dazhui (DU14),Qihai (RN6) andMingmen (DU4). Our experimental ifndings indicate that point application withAngong Niuhuang stickers can improve cognitive function after chronic cerebral ischemia in rats and is neuroprotective with an equivalent efifcacy to acupuncture.