Platonin preserves blood–brain barrier integrity in septic rats

Objectives

Platonin possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities. Because systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are crucial in mediating sepsis-induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity loss, this study elucidated the effects of platonin on preserving BBB integrity in septic rats.

Methods

A total of 72 adult male rats (200–250 g) were randomized to receive cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP plus platonin, sham operation, or sham operation plus platonin (n = 18 in each group). Systemic inflammation and oxidation levels and BBB integrity in the surviving rats were determined after 24-hour monitoring.

Results

Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA)—markers of systemic inflammation and oxidation—and the grading of Evans blue staining of the brains, BBB permeability to Evans blue dye, and brain edema levels—markers of BBB integrity—in rats that received CLP were significantly higher than rats that received sham operation (all p < 0.001). By contrast, the plasma levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001) and MDA (p < 0.001), and the grading of Evans blue staining (p = 0.015), BBB permeability to Evans blue dye (p = 0.043), and brain edema levels (p = 0.034) in rats that received CLP plus platonin were significantly lower than rats that received CLP. Experimental data further revealed that the concentration of tight junction protein claudin-5, a major structural component of BBB, in rats that received CLP was significantly lower than rats that received CLP plus platonin (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Platonin could attenuate sepsis-induced BBB integrity loss in rats.