Inhibition of sonic hedgehog signaling aggravates brain damage associated with the down-regulation of Gli1, Ptch1 and SOD1 expression in acute ischemic stroke

► Rat MCAO model is used to analyze the effect on ischemia after blocking Shh pathway. ► The inhibitory effect increases neurological deficit, brain edema and infarct size. ► The inhibitory effect down-regulates expression of Gli1, Ptch1 and SOD1. ► Inhibition of Shh pathway aggravates brain damage in cerebral ischemia.