Abstract:Objective:To explore the effects of astragalus polysaccharide on neurological function deficit and neuron apoptosis and expression of NF-κB(nuclear factor-kappa B) in rats after interacerebral hemorrhage(ICH). Methods:All rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group and treatment group. ICH model was established by injection of collagenaseⅦ. Sham-operation group was established by saline instead.Treatment group was injected with astragalus polysaccharide(25 mg/kg) through celiac once a day. At 6 hour and on the 1st day, 3rd day and 5th day, the neurological behaviors of rats were observed .By the methods of TUNEL and immunohistochemisty, the dynamic changes of apoptosis and the expression of NF-κB in the tissue surrounding hematoma in were detected ICH rats. Ultrastructures of the cells around the hematoma were observed with transmission electron microscope. Results:Contrast to model group, the score of neurological behavior in treatment group rats was decreased significantly on 3rd and 5th day(P < 0.05), as well as TUNEL positive cells(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Significantly difference of NF-κB positive cell between model group and treatment group was found on the first, 3rd and 5th day(P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). The pathological changes of the treatment group were milder than those of the model group 3 days after operation. Conclusion:Apotosis is a pattern of death after intracerebral hemorrhage,and the expression of NF-κB is an important step in apoptotic cell death after ICH. Astragalus polysaccharide can effectively alleviate apoptosis after ICH. Preventing NF-κB expression may be involved in the treatment.