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BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate exhibits a remarkable neuroprotective effect.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate on astrocytes in an interleukin-6 (IL-6) overexpressing mice following local cerebral ischemia.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Randomized, cytological, controlled, animal study was performed in the Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Neurology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina from January 2005 to March 2005.MATERIALS: Nine IL-6 transgenic mice, irrespective of gender, were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated, model, and treatment, with three mice in each group. With exception of the sham-operated group, right middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in the mice.Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, an astrocyte marker, was determined by immunohistochemistry. Low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate was purchased from Biochemistry and Biotechnique Institute, Shandong University.METHODS: Two minutes prior to ischemia induction, 0.5 mL/kg saline or 20 000 U/kg low molecular weight heparin-superoxicle dismutase conjugate were administrated via the femoral artery in the model group and treatment group, respectively. The sham-operated group underwent the same protocols, with the exception of occlusion and treatment.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells was quantified under light microscopy (x200).RESULTS: In the sham-operated group, there were a large number of astrocytes in the IL-6 transgenic mice. However, the cell bodies were small, and the branches were few and thin. The number of astrocytes in the model group was remarkably less than the sham-operated group. Compared to the model and sham-operated groups, the number of astrocytes significantly increased, and the cell body became larger, following treatment with low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate. Astrocytes exhibited hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and the processes became longer and thicker.CONCLUSION: The low molecular weight heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate may provide neuroprotection through astrocytic activation at the super-early stage of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.