[Purpose] Although previous studies have demonstrated several effects of sesamol on neurological diseases, its effects on ischemic stroke are unclear. We evaluated the direct effects of sesamol on infarcts and efficacy in terms of functional improvement in rats with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). [Subjects and Methods] Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 30) were randomly divided into two groups: an MCAO with sesamol group and an MCAO group. MCAO was induced for 2 h, and sesamol was administered in the treatment group just after reperfusion. Infarct size was calculated 5 days after MCAO. Efficacy in function was assessed using a modified sticky-tape test (MST) and percent weight borne on the paretic leg during 5 days. [Results] Infarct volumes did not differ significantly between the two MCAO groups. The values of MST did not differ between the two MCAO groups. Based on the values of percent weight borne on the paretic leg, function of the hindlimb in the MCAO with sesamol group was significantly better than in the MCAO group throughout the experimental period. [Conclusion] These results demonstrate that sesamol induced functional improvements during 5 days after MCAO, and could be a useful addition to the therapeutic regimen for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Keywords: Ischemic stroke; Middle cerebral artery occlusion; Sesamol.