Alterations in intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain injury in the iron deficient rat

Abstract

Iron contributes to brain edema and cellular toxicity after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Knowledge regarding ICH in the context of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a common nutritional disorder, is limited. To determine the effect of IDA on brain and behavioral outcome after ICH in rats. Six-week-old male rats (n=75) were randomized to non-IDA or IDA groups. After 1 month of iron sufficient or deficient diets, 100 μl autologous blood was infused into the right basal ganglia (BG). Brains were assessed for iron concentration, regional water content, BG transferrin, and transferrin receptor concentrations after ICH. Recovery of upper extremity sensorimotor function was assessed. Brain and behavioral variables were compared by diet group. Significance was set at p<0.05. Whole brain iron was decreased and water content was increased for IDA rats in injured cortex and BG at day 3 (p<0.05) compared with non-IDA rats. Transferrin and transferrin receptor content were increased in injured BG for IDA compared to non-IDA in the first week after ICH (p<0.05). IDA rats had greater left vibrissae-stimulated forelimb-placing deficits and forelimb-use asymmetry than non-IDA after ICH (p<0.05). Brain iron status may be an important determinant of injury severity and recovery after ICH. © 2006 Springer-Verlag.