Effect of Lithium Chloride Concentration on Its Neuroprotective Properties in Ischemic Stroke in Rats

Currently, a number of experimental studies have demonstrated compelling evidence of neuro-, cardio-, and nephroprotective properties of medications containing lithium chloride.
Aim of the study. To evaluate the effect of various concentrations of lithium chloride on ischemic stroke volume and perifocal edema in rats after cerebral ischemia.
Material and methods. Male mongrel rats weighing 315±13.5 g were used in the study. The focal ischemia model according to Longa et al. was employed. The animals (n=35) were divided into 5 groups: sham-operated, control group (ischemic stroke model with NaCl 0.9% administration) and three groups who received lithium chloride in different concentrations (4.2 mg/kg, 21 mg/kg and 63 mg/kg). Lithium chloride was administered immediately after cessation of middle cerebral artery occlusion and then every 24 h until euthanasia. To assess the degree of brain damage, the animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 2, and brain sections stained with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride were evaluated after euthanasia on day 7. Intergroup differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney criterion.
Results. According to MRI data, lithium chloride at a dose of 4.2 mg/kg had no significant effect on ischemic stroke volume and perifocal edema versus the control group on day 2 (P=0.9). With lithium chloride at 21 mg/kg, stroke volume and perifocal edema were significantly lower than in the control group (by 25%, P=0.04 and 18%, P=0.03, respectively). Lithium chloride at a dose of 63 mg/kg was more likely to reduce stroke volume (by 45%, P=0.004) and perifocal edema (by 35%, P=0.007). When determining lesion volume on day 7, the data were comparable to those obtained on day 2. With the 21 mg/kg dose, stroke volume was 20% lower than in the control group (P=0.04). Lithium chloride, 63 mg/kg, reduced stroke volume by 40% (P=0.004).
Conclusion. Lithium chloride dose affects necrotic focus formation and manifestations of perifocal cerebral edema after middle cerebral artery occlusion. The maximum reduction in the volume of ischemic stroke and perifocal edema was observed when the 63 mg/kg dose was used.

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