Salidroside ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury and regulates the glutamate metabolism pathway in astrocytes

• Published in: Frontiers in pharmacology Vol. 15
• Main Authors: Zheng, Xiaoyu, Zhang, Hongwei, Zhang, Yehao, Ding, Zhao, Huang, Zishan, Li, Haoran, Yao, Mingjiang, Song, Wenting, Liu, Jianxun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 12-11-2024
• Subjects: astrocyte; cerebral ischemia; glutamate metabolism; glutamate transporter 1; glutamine synthetase; Pharmacology; salidroside
• ISSN: 1663-9812; 1663-9812
• DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1472100

Background and AimSalidroside (SA) is the main active component of Rhodiola rosea L., with potential in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and cerebral ischemia. However, its efficacy and mechanism in cerebral ischemia remain unclear, particularly regarding its effect on glutamate (Glu) metabolism. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of SA in treating cerebral ischemia and its pharmacological mechanism.Experimental procedureWe studied the effects of SA on SD rats with cerebral ischemia, evaluating neurobehavior, cerebral water content, infarct size, and brain microstructure. We also assessed its impact on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) proteins using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Additionally, we used SVGp12 cells to simulate cerebral ischemia and measured Glu levels and used Western blot to observe the level of GS and GLT-1.ResultsSA improved neural function, reduced infarct size, and regulated GSH and Glu levels in rats. In cell experiments, SA increased cell viability and decreased Glu concentration after ischemia induction. It also regulated the expression of GFAP, GS, and GLT-1.ConclusionSA alleviates cerebral ischemia-induced injury by acting on astrocytes, possibly through regulating the glutamate metabolic pathway.