Neuroprotective pentapeptide, CN-105, improves outcomes in translational models of intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of cerebrovascular disease for which there are no approved pharmacological interventions that improve outcomes. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target given its neuroprotective properties and ability to modify neuroinflammatory responses. We developed a 5-amino acid peptide, CN-105, that mimics the polar face of the apoE helical domain involved in receptor interactions, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and improves outcomes in well-established preclinical ICH models. In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of CN-105 in translational ICH models that account for hypertensive comorbidity, sex, species, and age. Methods: In three separate experiments, we delivered three intravenous doses of CN-105 (up to 0.20 mg/kg) or vehicle to hypertensive male BPH/2J mice, spontaneously hypertensive female rats, or 11-month old male mice within 24-hours of ICH. Neuropathological and neurobehavioral outcomes were determined over 3, 7, and 9 days, respectively. Results: In spontaneously hypertensive male mice, there was a significant dose-dependent effect of CN-105 on vestibulomotor function at 0.05 and 0.20 mg/kg doses (p 0.05; {eta}2 = 0.034). Conclusions: Acute treatment with CN-105 improves outcomes in translational ICH models independent of sex, species, age, or hypertensive comorbidity.