[Semax prevents elevation of nitric oxide generation caused by incomplete global ischemia in the rat brain]

Abstract

A twofold increase in the nitric oxide (NO) production and a moderate increase in the content of secondary products of lipid peroxidation was observed in Wistar rats with incomplete global ischemia model induced by the bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries. A clear correlation was observed between the NO content in the rat brain and the level of neurological disturbance manifestations in the ischemized animals. The synthetic peptide semax (a fragment of ACTH4-7 Pro-Gly-Pro) in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg prevented from the development of both neurological disturbances and excess NO production in the rat brain cortex.