Objective: To explore the protection effects of Gastrodia elata on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Method: The model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats was established by the suture-occlusion method. One hundred and forty four Wistar rats were randomized into sham group

model group

G. elata extraction low dose group (50 mg ·kg-1)

G. elata extraction medium dose group(100 mg ·kg-1)

G. elata extraction high dose group (150 mg ·kg-1)

Nimodipine group(25 mg ·kg-1). Every group were randomized again into 3 sub-groups at 6 hours

12 hours and 24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion

and rats of sub-groups were killed at different time points respectively. Consecutive coronal sections were done to Hippocampal CAI. Neuronal apoptosis were detected by immunohistochemical method and caspase-8 expression was detected by TUNEL method. Result: ① Compared with the sham group

at time points of 6 hours

12 hours and 24 hours after reperfusion

neuronal apoptosis of model group was significantly increased(P<0.05); Compared with the model group

neuronal apoptosis of G. elata extraction groups

Nimodipine group were significantly decreased(P<0.05;P<0.01)after reperfusion.② Compared with the sham group

the caspase-8 protein expression of model group was significantly increased after reperfusion(P<0.05;P<0.01); Compared with the model group

the caspase-8 protein expression of G.elata extraction groups

Nimodipine group was significantly decreased(P<0.05;P<0.01)after reperfusion. G. elata reduced the level of the caspase-8 protein expression

attenuating neural apoptosis. Conclusion: G. elata has a protectetive effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis.