Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives: Since NMDA receptors have been introduced as a therapeutic target, the effect of MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, was evaluated on motor deficits following ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty male Wistar rats (300-350g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6 in each): intact control, sham-operated, ischemia and two ischemic groups treated daily with MK-801 at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days. Ischemia was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 15 minutes. Motor deficits in experimental groups were evaluated using rotarod and incline board tests for 3 consecutive days. Results: According to results, MCAO induced sensory motor deficits in ischemic group, as rotarod time and incline board angles were decreased in ischemic group compared to sham operated group (P<0.001). The administration of MK-801 for 3 days at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg increased rotarod time and incline board angle in treated groups compared to ischemic group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed that MK-801 could improve motor deficits induced in ischemic rats. Thus, it may be suggested that MK-801 might have a therapeutic value for the treatment of stroke