Effect of the AMPK activator AICAR on inhibiting the inflammatory response of astrocytes and protecting the neurons from injury after oxygen-glucose deprivation treatment

Objective:To evaluate the effects of the AMPK activator AICAR on the inflammatory response of astrocytes and protecting the neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation OGD-treatment.Methods:The OGD-treated model in primary cultured neurons and astrocytes was established.AICAR(0.5 mmol/L) and control solution were added into the primary cultured astrocytes,then which was treated with OGD.After 12 h of reoxygenation,the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β) were analyzed using ELISA,and the level of phosphorylated p38 was analyzed using Western blot.The astrocytic medium of control group and AICAR group treated with OGD were added into the primary cultured neurons injured by OGD.The neuroprotective effect of AICAR on the OGD-injured neurons was analyzed by LDH and immunofluoresent double staining.Results:In the OGD-treated primary cultured neurons and astrocytes,AICAR significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β secreted from OGD-treated astrocytes,inhibited the phosphorylation of p38,reduced the OGD-induced injury of neurons,and promoted the recovery of neurites compared with control group.Conclusions:AICAR can inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from OGD-treated astrocytes,and protect the OGD-treated neurons.