Effects of iloprost on visual evoked potentials and brain tissue oxidative stress after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion

Effects of iloprost on visual evoked potentials and oxidant/antioxidant status were evaluated after bilateral carotid artery occlusion. There were three experimental groups; Sham (S) group (n=10), bilateral common carotid artery occluded (BCCAO) group (n=10) and after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, iloprost-treated (BCCAOI) group (n=10). Iloprost was administered (0.5 ng/kg/day) for 10 days by intraperitoneal injection. N2 and P2 latencies (millisecond) and N2–P2 (μV) amplitudes were recorded 10 days after operation for evaluating VEPs. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation immediately after recording of VEPs. Malondialdehyte (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Cu–Zn superoxide dysmutase (SOD) were studied spectrophotometricly. After BCCAO, MDA levels were increased, GSH and Cu–Zn SOD levels were decreased significantly, and abnormal VEPs parameters were observed. Iloprost treatment after BCCAO decreased MDA and increased GSH levels significantly. Low Cu–Zn SOD levels and impaired VEPs remained after iloprost treatment. Iloprost treatment may protect the brain tissue from oxidative damage during cerebral hypoperfusion.