Abstract

Ostokhodus (Nepeta Menthoides), is an herb widely used in Iranian Traditional Medicine to manage the neurologic disorders. Since apoptosis plays a crucial role in pathological situations of nervous system, in present study we investigated the putative anti-apoptotic effect of Ostokhodus in axotomy-induced apoptosis of spinal motoneurons in neonate rats. Following transecting the right sciatic nerve of 2 day old rat neonates, the experimental groups were treated with different doses of alcoholic extract of Ostokhodus intraperitoneally for 3 days starting at the day of axotomy. In all groups one day following the final injection, the motoneurons of sciatic pool were counted and apoptosis assessment was performed by TUNEL assay on ventral horns of both sides of the associated spinal cord segments, where the contralateral intact side served as internal control. Intraperitoneal administration of axotomized rats with Ostokhodus resulted in an increased survival of axotomized motoneurons and a decreased apoptotic rate compared to intact side, which was most prominent in the group treated with the dose of 500 mg/kg. These findings indicated a dose-dependent neuroprotective anti-apoptotic effect of Ostokhodus which can preserve the axotomized spinal motoneurons.

Key words: Ostokhodus, nepeta menthoides, neuroprotection, motoneuron, apoptosis, axotomy, TUNEL.