Oxygen resuscitation after hypoxia ischemia stimulates prostaglandin pathway in rat cortex

Exposure to hypoxia and hyperoxia in a rodent model of perinatal ischemia results in delayed cell death and inflammation. Hyperoxia increases oxidative stress that can trigger inflammatory cascades, neutrophil activation, and brain microvascular injury. Here we show that 100% oxygen resuscitation in our rodent model of perinatal ischemia increases cortical COX-2 protein levels, S-nitrosylated COX-2cys526, PGE2, iNOS and 5-LOX, all components of the prostaglandin and leukotriene inflammatory pathway.

► Hypoxia and hyperoxia in a rat model of perinatal ischemia result in cell death and inflammation. ► Hyperoxia treatment of P7 rat pups after hypoxia ischemia increased S-nitrosylation of COX-2. ► Hyperoxia treatment of P7 rat pups after hypoxia ischemia increased PGE2 and iNOS levels.