Vitamin E Derivative Alpha-Tocotrienol Failed to Show Neuroprotective Effects after Embolic Stroke in Rats

Objective(s)Previous studies have demonstrated that pretreatment with alpha-tocotrienol (α-TCT) can reduce ischemic damage in mice following middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. It is also reported to decrease stroke-dependent brain tissue damage in 12-Lox-deficient mice and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of α-TCT and rosiglitazone (RGZ) at 3 hr after cerebral ischemia were investigated. Materials and MethodsStroke was induced by embolizing a preformed clot into the MCA. Rats were assigned to vehicle, α-TCT (1 or 10 mg/kg), RGZ and sham-operation. ResultsCompared to the control group, only RGZ decreased infarct volume (P<0.05), neurological deficits (P<0.05) and sensory impairments (P<0.01) but low and high doses of α-TCT did not show any significant neuroprotective effect. ConclusionOur data showed that α-TCT was not neuroprotective at 3 hr after the embolic model of stroke. Further studies should be undertaken to clarify the neuroprotective effects of α-TCT after stroke.