Study of Therapeutic Effect of Minocycline in Treatment of Chronic Periventricular Leukomalacia in Rat Model

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of minocycline in treating chronic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in albino Wistar rats. By assessing minocycline's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, the study aims to determine its efficacy in reducing neurological impairments associated with PVL, offering insights into potential treatments for human patients.

Materials and methods: Rats received intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections to induce periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Following LPS exposure, the treatment group received minocycline, while controls received saline. Neurodevelopmental reflexes and behavioural tests assessed neurological function. Post-euthanasia, brain and organ samples were collected for immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qPCR to evaluate molecular and cellular effects.

Results: Minocycline treatment significantly improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in rats with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), reducing deficits in key metrics like forelimb and hindlimb grasping, and cliff avoidance. Histological analysis revealed that minocycline reduced ventricular dilatation, indicating its therapeutic potential in mitigating brain damage and preserving neural architecture in PVL-affected rats.

Conclusion:The study demonstrates that minocycline exhibits significant therapeutic potential in treating periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in a rat model. Neurodevelopmental testing indicated that minocycline improved motor coordination, posture, and reflexes, reducing the neurological impairments typically associated with PVL