Abstract: Objective To study the effects of chrysophanol（Chry）on NO of brain tissue and anti-anoxia in mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods A total of 75 SPF Kunming mice were randomly allocated into five groups: sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion group, high-dose group (Chry 10.0 mg·kg- 1), medium-dose group (Chry 1.0 mg · kg- 1) and low-dose group (Chry 0.1 mg·kg- 1). Using improved Himori method, cerebral ischemia reperfusion-injury model was produced in conscious mice by temporarily obstructing bilateral common carotid arteries. The neurological function was measured according to the Bederson scoring standard. The mice were subjected to decapitation for hypoxia tolerance test. The gasping time was measured by anoxia tolerance test in beheaded mice. The level of NO in cerebrum was detected. Results Chrysophanol can decrease the level of NO in cerebrum of mice with cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury and prolong the gasping time in beheaded mice with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury [low-dose group, (14.6±1.2) s; medium- dose group, (16.4 ± 1.2)s; high- dose group, (17.4 ± 1.1)s; ischemia-reperfusion group, (13.2 ± 1.0)s, P＜0.05]. Conclusion The protective effects of chrysophanol on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury are involved in decreasing the content of NO in brain tissue and anti-anoxia in mice.

Key words: Chrysophanol, brain ischemia, reperfusion injury, nitric oxide, anti-anoxia, Himori method