Beneficial effects of GM1 ganglioside on photochemically-induced microvascular injury in cerebral cortex and hypophysis in rat

Gangliosides, the glycophospholipids which are abundantly present in the central nervous system, have been shown to stimulate neuronal regeneration and counteract the deleterious effects of ischemia on cerebral neurons. The further elucidate the mechanism of action of gangliosides in cerebral ischemia, we investigated the influence of GM1 ganglioside in the model of photochemically-induced microvascular injury in rat brain. The animals were injected with rose Bengal and illuminated through cranium with hallogen lamp. This treatment resulted in the development of microthrombi and alterations in endothelial cells in the microvessels. Administration of 20 mg/kg GM1 ganglioside, 1 h before the photochemical reaction, largely reduced subsequent microvascular damage. In conclusion, the GM1 ganglioside is able to prevent microvascular damage in the central nervous system.