Hypertonic saline mediates the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis in microglia to alleviate ischemic blood-brain barrier permeability by downregulating astrocyte-derived VEGF in rats

Introduction The aim of this study was to explore whether the antibrain edema of hypertonic saline (HS) is associated with alleviating ischemic blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability by downregulating astrocyte-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is mediated by microglia-derived NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Methods The infarct volume and BBB permeability were detected. The protein expression level of VEGF in astrocytes in a transient focal brain ischemia model of rats was evaluated after 10% HS treatment. Changes in the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1 beta protein expression, and the interleukin-1 receptor (IL1R1)/pNF-kBp65/VEGF signaling pathway were determined in astrocytes. Results HS alleviated the BBB permeability, reduced the infarct volume, and downregulated the expression of VEGF in astrocytes. HS downregulates IL-1 beta expression by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and then downregulates VEGF expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-kBp65 mediated by IL-1 beta in astrocytes. Conclusions HS alleviated the BBB permeability, reduced the infarct volume, and downregulated the expression of VEGF in astrocytes. HS downregulated IL-1 beta expression via inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and then downregulated VEGF expression through inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-kBp65 mediated by IL-1 beta in astrocytes.