Figure 3. Ramelteon improves MCAO-caused neurological and behavioral deficits.

Animals were assessed for neurological deficits 24 h (A, B) or Digi Gait analysis 48 h (D) after the MCAO procedure in indicated groups of mice. Ramelteon (10, 15, or 20 mg/kg) was administered preventively (A) and therapeutically (B-D). Each mouse was assigned a neurological score, and the neurological score was compared (A, n = 10; B, n = 5 – 8). Mice were submitted to the Digi Gait automated gait analysis system on a treadmill set at 15 cm/second. A representative gait signal in the control group, MCAO group, and MCAO + ramelteon group were shown by the ensemble paw area (cm²) (C). Behavioral quantitative gait parameters measured post-ischemia include a ratio of left/right hind paw area and distance difference between two hind paws to the body horizontal midline. The ratio of left/right hind paw area and distance difference between two hind paws to the body horizontal midline in different groups of mice (D and E, respectively, n = 3 – 8) were compared. Statistically significant differences are indicated with *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01.