The Expression Of Calpain-â…  At Basilar Artery In Cerebral Vasospasm Model Used Rabbits

Objective:To observe the phenomenon and the time course of calpain-I expression at smooth muscles of spastic basilar artery after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage,and to disscuss the putative mechanism of calpain-I in cerebral vasospasm.Method: Cerebral vasospasm model in rabbits was made by endovascular puncture method . Twenty-five rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group(n=5) and experimental groups [including 12hours(n=5), day1(n=5), day3(n=5) and day7(n=5) after SAH].Immunohistochemistry technique was usded to observe and semi-quantify calpain-I expression at smooth muscles of basilar arteries in both control group and experimental group. The change pattern of calpain-I expression was also analyzed.Results: Positive expression of calpain-I at smooth muscles of basilar arteries was investigated in both control group and SAH group, the expression was minor in control group. Expression of calpain-I was elevated slightly 12 hours after SAH, then peaked at the third day and declined at the seventh day. The expressional discrepancy between both groups has statistic significance.Conclusion: An early and continual increased calpain-I expression was found at smooth muscles of basilar artery in experimental model of SAH. Its'change pattern during the time course of cerebral vasospasm not only suggest calpain-I might have some important role in the formation of CVS but also provide ideal strategy in the therapy of CVS used calpain inhibitor.