Reduced expression of apoptotic proteins in the ischemic rat brain following Sertoli cell transplantation

Sertoli cells (SCs) may be a new candidate to decrease ischemic damage due to their ability to secrete factors that actively protect neurons and inhibit uncontrollable immune responses. Pre-treatment with these cells was considered in the current study. SCs were injected into the right striatum in rats using the stereotaxic technique. Ten days after injection, middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery was performed. Following these procedures, neurological deficit scores, brain edema, blood-brain barrier integrity, infarct volume, and the expression of apoptotic factors in the cortex, striatum, and piriform cortex-amygdala were evaluated. Analysis showed that behavioral deficits, infarct volume, blood-brain barrier permeability, and edema in the striatal area in the allograft group demonstrated a significant decrease compared to the control group. Additionally, analysis of the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 proteins in the striatum indicated a remarkable reduction and increase, respectively, in the allograft group compared to the control group. According to the obtained results, one possible mechanism for the neuroprotection induced by SCs in an ischemic brain is the reduction of apoptotic factors.