Superoxide during reperfusion contributes to caspase-8 expression and apoptosis after transient focal stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Reactive oxygen species produced during reperfusion may play a detrimental role in focal cerebral ischemia (FCI). We examined the protein expression of caspase-8, which plays a major role in both Fas-dependent and cytochrome c-dependent apoptotic pathways after FCI with or without reperfusion. Caspase-8 expression after transient FCI was compared between wild-type and transgenic mice that overexpress the cytosolic antioxidant copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1). METHODS Adult male CD-1 mice were subjected to 1 hour of FCI and reperfusion or to permanent FCI by intraluminal blockade of the middle cerebral artery. DNA fragmentation was evaluated by genomic DNA gel electrophoresis. Caspase-8 expression was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS Caspase-8 was significantly induced 4 hours after transient FCI and remained at an increased level until 24 hours, whereas it was not modified after permanent FCI. Genomic DNA gel electrophoresis showed DNA laddering in a pattern similar to that seen in apoptosis, with a small amount of background smear 24 hours after transient FCI, whereas 25 hours of permanent FCI resulted in less DNA laddering with a strong background smear. Caspase-8 induction was significantly reduced in SOD1 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice 4 hours after transient FCI. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that increased reactive oxygen species production during reperfusion may contribute to the induction of caspase-8, thereby exacerbating apoptosis after FCI.