N-Acetylcysteine Amide Exerts Possible Neuroprotective Effects in Newborn Pigs after Perinatal Asphyxia

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Perinatal asphyxia and ensuing reoxygenation change the antioxidant capacity of cells and organs. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To analyze the neuroprotective effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) after perinatal hypoxia-reoxygenation with an emphasis on proinflammatory cytokines and the transcription factor NF-κB in the prefrontal cortex of neonatal pigs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-nine newborn pigs, aged 12-36 h, were subjected to global hypoxia and hypercapnia. One sham-operated group (n = 5) and 2 experimental groups (n = 12) were exposed to 8% oxygen, until the …