Sex differences in stroke outcome correspond to rapid and severe changes in gut permeability in adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background: Sex differences in experimental stroke outcomes are well documented, such that adult males have a greater infarct volume, increased stroke-induced mortality, and more severe sensory-motor impairment. Based on recent evidence that the gut is an early responder to stroke, the present study tested the hypothesis that sex differences in stroke severity will be accompanied by rapid and greater permeability of the gut-blood barrier and gut dysbiosis in males as compared to females.

Method: Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats (5-7 months of age) were subject to endothelin (ET)-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo).