Sulforaphane alters cerebral leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions post global ischaemia reperfusion

Abstract

Introduction: Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary available isothiocyanate, previously shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Since discovery of its ability to induce a battery of phase II detoxification enzymes, its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent has been investigated in a variety of pathologies. Aim: Investigate effect of SFN pre-treatment on cerebral leukocyte-endothelial cell (L-E) interactions following bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo). Methods and Results: Male C57Bl6 mice, underwent 5 min BCCAo, followed by 2 h reperfusion, with/without SFN pretreatment. Little L-E interactions were present in sham mice. BCCAo significantly increased in L-E interactions, as measured using intravital microscopy. 24h pre-treatment with SFN (5mg/kg) decreased these interactions, bringing the values back to levels observed in sham mice. These data are complemented with work from an in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model using SHSY5Y neuronal cell line. Preliminary results indicate SFN (6μM) reduces cell death associated with OGD challenge. Conclusion: This data suggests that BCCAo leads to an inflammatory response within the cerebral microcirculation. Furthermore, pre-treatment with SFN reduced L-E interactions following pre-treatment, suggesting its ability to protect the cerebral microcirculation from subsequent inflammatory challenges. This is further supported by the early results showing SFN's protection in the OGD model. These preliminary results suggest a potential therapeutic role for SFN in stroke.