AIM: This study was designed to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol in a mouse model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO).

MATERIAL and METHODS: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice, weighing 20–24 g, were used in our experiments. The mice were randomly assigned into three groups: control group, BCCAO group and BCCAO+Resveratrol group. Neurological score was assessed 24h, 48h, 72h after BCCAO, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, NeuN and TUNEL were performed to detect the neuronal death and survival. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 were also detected to assess the anti-apoptotic effect of resveratrol by Western Blot.

RESULTS: Resveratrol significantly improved neurological score in BCCAO mice. Besides, it attenuates neuronal apoptosis via increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3. Resveratrol promotes neuronal survival in mice subjected to BCCAO.

CONCLUSION: Resveratrol is beneficial in the model of BCCAO, which is associated with its anti-apoptotic effect.