Brain stroke is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. So, it is important to test the biochemical abnormalities and oxidative mechanisms of focal cerebral ischemia induced in left common carotid artery occlusion (LCCAO).The rats were divided into five groups. Group I (Control normal), Group II, Group III, Group IV and Group V were subjected to occlusion for ½, 1, 4 and 6 hours occlusions, respectively. LCCAO was retracted to allow reperfusion of ischemic region. Blood samples and tissue specimens from brain were collected four times after reperfusion, zero time, 1, 3 and 24 hrs, respectively. Moreover, the changes in blood and brain biomarkers in ischemia/reperfusion injury were assayed. The results showed that LCCA occlusion in male rats significantly increased the levels of brain L-MDA, lactate, sodium, antioxidant enzymes, AChE, LDH and plasma fibrinogen. Also brain stroke significantly decreased the levels of brain nitric oxide, CAT and serum CK and C-RP as compared to control rats. Moreover, reperfusion of LCCAO significantly increased levels of brain L-MDA, antioxidant enzymes and serum C-RP. While, results showed a significant decrease in brain nitric oxide, sodium, AchE, serum CK as well as fluctuation in brain LDH, lactate and plasma fibrinogen levels as compared to the zero hour post occlusion. In conclusion, the results provide in vivo evidence that brain ischemia has harmful effect on brain energy metabolism, through induction of oxidative stress via production and rapid increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and alteration in antioxidant defenses.
Key words: Brain stroke; Biochemical changes; Oxidative stress