Intra-arterial Deoxyribonuclease therapy improves stroke outcomes in aged mice

Background Futile recanalization affects more than half of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a major factor of microvascular hypoperfusion after stroke. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase) targeting NETs exhibited a neuroprotective effect in young mice with AIS. This study explored a novel direct intra-arterial administration of DNase therapy and its effect in aged mice with AIS. Method AIS was induced in aged C57BL/6 mice followed by reperfusion and immediate, intra-arterial DNase administration via the internal carotid artery. Cerebral blood flow, neurological function, cerebral infarct volume, and NET markers were examined. Results Direct intra-arterial DNase therapy significantly increased cerebral blood flow, reduced neurological deficit scores, increased the latency to fall in wire hang test, reduced cerebral infarct volume, and decreased neutrophil and NET count in both the parenchyma and micro vessels in aged mice with AIS compared with age-matched, vehicle controls. Conclusion Our data is the first to demonstrate that successful, direct intra-arterial DNase therapy provides more efficient cerebral reperfusion and better outcomes after recanalization during the treatment of large vessel occlusion in aged mice. This study provides evidence for the potential clinical application of catheter delivered intra-arterial DNase therapy post-recanalization.