Single-Cell RNA-Seq Revealed the Immune Microenvironment Reprogramming by Dexmedetomidine Treatment in Ischemic Stroke.

ABSTRACT: Prior studies have indicated that the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in cerebral ischemia, yet its mechanisms remain elusive. Using multi-omics approaches (RNA-seq, metabolomics, and single-cell RNA-seq), we discovered that DEX pretreatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume and improved neurological function in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice compared to PBS controls. Single-cell analysis revealed that DEX preserved microglial phagocytic function via metabolic regulation, leading to reduced microglial apoptosis and attenuated immune dysregulation-including decreased chemotactic neutrophils, B cells, and antigen-presenting fibroblasts. These cellular changes were corroborated by transcriptomic and metabolic profiles showing suppressed apoptosis and

SUBMITTER: Zhang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559068 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature