Sulfur dioxide reduces hippocampal cells death and improves learning and memory deficits in rat model of transient global ischemia/reperfusion

According to recent the findings, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is produced by the cardiovascular system, influencing some major biological processes. Based on previous research, SO2 exhibits antioxidant effects and inhibits apoptosis following cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the neuroprotective impact of SO2 following global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).
Forty-eight male Wistar rats that weighed 260–300 g, were randomly allocated into 4 groups: sham group (n=12), I/R group (n=12), and I/R䣭 groups (NaHSO3 and Na2SO3; 1:3 ratio; 5 and 10 µg/kg, respectively; for 3 days, n=12). Cerebral ischemia model was prepared by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 20 min. Saline as a vehicle and SO2 donor at doses 5 µg/kg (intraperitoneally) were injected for 3 days after reperfusion. Four days after ischemia, the passive avoidance memory test was carried out in four groups, and after behavioral assessment, necrosis, apoptosis, and antioxidant enzyme analysis were carried out.
SO2 treatment could significantly improve memory impairments in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) (P According to the findings, SO2 exerts significant neuroprotective effects on cerebral I/R due to its antioxidant activity.