Improvement effects of tanshinone on the impaired cognition and motor function in MCAO mice with ischemic penumbra.

This study aims to investigate the effects of tanshinone on improving the impaired cognition and motor function in MCAO model mice with ischemic penumbra. MWM test was carried out to evaluate the spatial learning and memory performance and the cognitive function of mice. The area of cerebral infarction was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The TUNEL apoptosis detection kit was used to detect neuronal apoptosis. On the 25th day, the induction model group had lower body weight than the control group and the tanshinone treatment group; the induction model group had decreased walking deficiency and correct area escape times than the other two groups; while, tanshinone treatment group had higher movement distance, movement speed, periphery entry frequency, grooming rate, decreased center entry frequency, infarction area, apoptotic neuron number, latent escape time than induction model group; additionally, the control group had increased periphery and corner entry frequency, but decreased center entry frequency and latent escape time than the other two groups. Tanshinone can reduce neuronal damage in the ischemic penumbra after stroke, improve the integrity of white and gray matter, and restore connectivity in motor and cognitive functions, thereby supporting recovery from ischemic stroke.