Ebselen (PZ-51) protects the caudate putamen against hypoxia/ischemia induced neuronal damage

Ebselen, a synthetic selenium-containing compound which exhibits glutathione peroxidase-like activity in vivo, is known for its beneficial effects on inflammation and tissue injury. Experiments were conducted to test whether ebselen dissolved in DiMethylSulfOxide (DMSO) could prevent damage in a rat model for transient unilateral hypoxia/ischemia. Results indicate that ebselen dissolved in DMSO reduced damage in the caudate putamen, the thalamus and the cortex compared to the saline controls. The average damage in the Caudate putamen was also significantly lower in the ebselen group when compared to the DMSO treated rats. Total brain damage in the ebselen group was decreased by 76%. DMSO alone did not reduce damage significantly in any of the analyzed areas. Some protective effects of ebselen, however, may be due to the solvent DMSO. In the caudate putamen ebselen alone was responsible for the observed protection. This protective effect of ebselen might be explained by its actions as a glutathione peroxidase mimic.