IGF-1 protects neurons in the cortex and subventricular zone in a periventricular leucomalacia model

Abstract

Background/Aim: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion affects early and mature neurons in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and cerebral cortex. Herein, we investigated the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a neurogenesispromoting agent, on neurons in these regions in periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) model rats. Materials and Methods: Following right carotid artery ligation, the rats were placed in a hypoxia chamber and injected with recombinant IGF-1 (0.1 and 1 μg/μl). Their brain sections were immunohistochemically analysed using anti-nestin and anti- NeuN antibodies. Results: The numbers of early-neuronal cells in the SVZ and mature neurons in the cerebral cortex were higher and lower, respectively, in the PVL group than in the control group. The number of NeuN-positive cells was significantly higher in the IGF-treated group than in the PVL group. Conclusion: PVL increased the number of early neuronal cells in the SVZ, reducing the survival of mature neurons in the cerebral cortex; IGF-1 reversed these effects.