Neuroprotective Pentapeptide, CN-105, Improves Outcomes in Translational Models of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of cerebrovascular disease for which there are no approved pharmacological interventions that improve outcomes. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target given its isoform-specific neuroprotective properties and ability to modify neuroinflammatory responses. We developed a 5-amino acid peptide, CN-105, that mimics the polar face of the apoE helical domain involved in receptor interactions, readily crosses the blood–brain barrier, and improves outcomes in well-established preclinical ICH models. In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of CN-105 in translational ICH models that account for hypertensive comorbidity, sex, species, and age. Methods In three separate experiments, we delivered three intravenous doses of CN-105 (up to 0.20 mg/kg) or vehicle to hypertensive male BPH/2 J mice, spontaneously hypertensive female rats, or 11-month-old male mice within 24-h of ICH. Neuropathological and neurobehavioral outcomes were determined over 3, 7, and 9 days, respectively. Results In spontaneously hypertensive male mice, there was a significant dose-dependent effect of CN-105 on vestibulomotor function at 0.05 and 0.20 mg/kg doses ( p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.91–153.70 and p < 0.001; 95% CI: 49.54–205.62), while 0.20 mg/kg also improved neuroseverity scores ( p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.27–11.00) and reduced ipsilateral brain edema ( p < 0.05; 95% CI: − 0.037 to − 0.001). In spontaneously hypertensive female rats, CN-105 (0.05 mg/kg) had a significant effect on vestibulomotor function ( p < 0.01; η 2 = 0.093) and neuroseverity scores ( p < 0.05; η 2 = 0.083), and reduced contralateral edema expansion ( p < 0.01; 95% CI: − 1.41 to − 0.39). In 11-month-old male mice, CN-105 had a significant effect on vestibulomotor function ( p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.111) but not neuroseverity scores ( p > 0.05; η 2 = 0.034). Conclusions Acute treatment with CN-105 improves outcomes in translational ICH models independent of sex, species, age, or hypertensive comorbidity.