Lipopolysaccharide Sensitizes Steroid-Induced Brain Injury in Neonatal Rat Pups.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infection is a pathogenetic factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and corticosteroids are often used for its prevention or treatment. However, few studies have examined their combined effects on brain injury in the context of infection.

Methods

Rat pups received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on postnatal Day 1 (P1), followed by tapering doses of dexamethasone (Dex) or hydrocortisone (HC) from P2 to P4. We measured body and brain weights, TUNEL-positive cell counts, synaptic protein levels, and mRNA expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in six brain regions at P5.

Results

The LPS-HC and LPS-Dex groups showed more TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and brain stem compared to LPS-naïve controls. Olig

SUBMITTER: Chang YS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12660621 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature