Parvin Lotfi - Anatomical Research Science Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Homayon Naderian - Anatomical Research Science Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Mahdi Rafiyn - Anatomical Research Science Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Mohammadali Atlasi - Anatomical Research Science Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability due to cerebrovascular obstruction which triggers inflammation in the damaged area of the brain. Although many attempts have been made to treat stroke an effective treatment hasn’t been found. Based on neuroprotective effect of estrogen and progesterone hormones, in this study the effect of their combined dose on the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines and the rate of CD4+ cells in the ischemic margin after the creation of MCAO was investigated. Materials and Methods: 27 Wistar male rats were studied by dividing into three groups: ischemia, hormone and sham (control group). the middle cerebral artery was closed for one hour and immediately a combination dose of estrogen and progesterone was injected to the animal.The volume of infarct area was measured by TTC staining and the rate of migration of lymphocytes to the pneumobra area was investigated using IHC techniques and expression of TNF-α and IL-1β genes using the realtime PCR technique. The result were evaluated using ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Injection of combined dose of estrogen (25 μg/kg) and progesterone (10 mg/ kg) Immediately after focal ischemia significantly decreased the area of the infarct, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β genes, CD4+ cells in the ischemic margin and as a result, inflammation has been reduced. also it significantly increased the behavioral test score. Conclusion: The results showed that the combineddose of estrogen and progesterone hormones had antiinflammatory effect and reduced CD4+ cells in ischemic margin after focal ischemia.