The Effects of Nebivolol on Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in a Rat Model: Implications for Pediatric Neuroprotection.

Objectives: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor regulating oxidative stress and inflammation after TBI. This study examined the neuroprotective potential of Nebivolol in a rat model of moderate TBI, with a focus on implications for pediatric therapy. Materials & Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats (230 ± 10 g) were included. The animals were trained using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, and mTBI was induced using a pendulum-based method. Nebivolol was administered at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg daily from day 8 to day 21 post-injury. Behavioral assessments were performed using the MWM, while structural brain changes were evaluated via micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Inflammatory biomarkers were also analyzed. Results: The results revealed significant post-TBI increases in inflammatory markers (CRP, cortisol) and decreases in prolactin levels in control animals (p