Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid in Reduction of Stroke Complications in a Permanent Model of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Male Rats

Stroke is the third leading cause of death. Oxidative stress has a principal role in the complications of stroke. Due to this fact and the antioxidant effects of ascorbic acid, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of ascorbic acid on reduction of stroke complications in a permanent model of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in male rats. In this experimental study, the rats were divided into 3 groups of control, ascorbic acid, and surgical sham. Stroke was induced by cauterization of MCA. The animal's brain was sliced and stained using tetrazolium chloride (TTC) 48 hours after stroke induction. Then, infarction volume was determined using image processing software. In addition, behavioral tests, such as neurologic deficits, were evaluated 24 and 48 hours after stroke induction. Data were statistically analyzed using One-way ANOVA test. The infarct volume significantly reduced in the ascorbic acid treated group in comparison with control group (P < 0.010). Moreover, blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, brain edema volume (P < 0.001), and the level of matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) (P < 0.050) significantly reduced following treatment by ascorbic acid. Neurologic deficits, which were assessed using the Bederson Grading System, showed relative improvement in the ascorbic acid treated group (P < 0.050). This study showed that ascorbic acid, due to its neuroprotective effects, can significantly reduce the complications of stroke.