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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 6/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Argon: Neuroprotection in in vitro models of cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury

Authors: Philip D Loetscher, Jan Rossaint, Rolf Rossaint, Joachim Weis, Michael Fries, Astrid Fahlenkamp, Yu-Mi Ryang, Oliver Grottke, Mark Coburn

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 6/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

Recently, it has been shown in several experimental settings that the noble gases xenon and helium have neuroprotective properties. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the noble gas argon has a neuroprotective potential as well. Since traumatic brain injury and stroke are widespread and generate an enormous economic and social burden, we investigated the possible neuroprotective effect in in vitro models of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia.

Methods

Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from mice pups were subjected to either oxygen-glucose deprivation or to a focal mechanical trauma and subsequently treated with three different concentrations (25, 50 and 74%) of argon immediately after trauma or with a two-or-three-hour delay. After 72 hours of incubation tissue injury assessment was performed using propidium iodide, a staining agent that becomes fluorescent when it diffuses into damaged cells via disintegrated cell membranes.

Results

We could show argon's neuroprotective effects at different concentrations when applied directly after oxygen-glucose deprivation or trauma. Even three hours after application, argon was still neuroprotective.

Conclusions

Argon showed a neuroprotective effect in both in vitro models of oxygen-glucose deprivation and traumatic brain injury. Our promising results justify further in vivo animal research.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Argon: Neuroprotection in in vitro models of cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury
Authors
Philip D Loetscher
Jan Rossaint
Rolf Rossaint
Joachim Weis
Michael Fries
Astrid Fahlenkamp
Yu-Mi Ryang
Oliver Grottke
Mark Coburn
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 6/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc8214

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