Effects of rofecoxib on the neurocytes apoptosis and the expression of apoptosiscontrolling genes after focal cerebral isehemia -reperfusion injury in rats

AIM. To observe apoptosis of the neurocytes and the expression of BCL-2 and BAX proteins after focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in brain tissue of rats and the protective effects of rofecoxib. METHODS: The model of local CIRI was induced by reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion ( MCAO with inserting a thread through internal