Experimental study on disorders in the activity of macrophages in the acute period of different severities of cerebral stroke

BACKGROUND: The development of immunosuppression in the acute phase of cerebral stroke may lead to infectious and inflammatory complications. However, data on the functional activity of macrophages are insufficient to understand the pathogenesis of stroke.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the functional activity of macrophages in the acute period of experimental cerebral stroke (ECS) of different severities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an experimental study on 45 Wistar rats, the functional and spontaneous metabolic activity of macrophages in the spleen and abdominal cavity and the induced metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages were evaluated through the reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium via spectrophotometry. The spontaneous and induced adhesive activity and the inhibition of the modified adhesive activity of peritoneal macrophages were examined via crystal violet staining by using a colorimetric method. ECS was modeled by the rotational movements of mandrel-knife inserted into the region of capsula interna (c.i.) on the left by guiding a needle–cannula with the subsequent damage of vessels and the formation of mild (local incision of vessels in the region of c.i.), moderate (additional introduction of autologous blood in the area of c.i.), and severe (cutting of vessels from c.i. to pia mater with the subsequent introduction of autologous blood into the damaged area) hemorrhage. Data were evaluated in 72 h after different severities of ECS were modeled.

RESULTS: In 72 h after ECS with different severities was modeled, the functional and spontaneous metabolic activity of splenic macrophages significantly decreased compared with those in the control group. The functional, spontaneous, and induced metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages significantly reduced compared with those in the control group. The adhesive activity of peritoneal macrophages significantly increased compared with that of the control group. These disorders exacerbated in animal models with a more severe degree of stroke.

CONCLUSION: In the acute period of ECS, the functional activity of macrophages decreased, whereas their adhesive activity increased. These phenomena enhanced in more severe models of stroke.