We describe a series of experiments in which a subhuman primate model was used to create temporary and permanent cerebral ischemia by three separate mechanisms. In the first group of five baboons, a hemodynamic model was produced by creating unilateral and bilateral carotid stenotic lesions of varying degrees with and without associated reduction in systemic perfusion pressure. Only global isch...

In the absence of clinically-efficacious therapies for ischemic stroke there is a critical need for development of new therapeutic concepts and approaches for prevention of brain injury secondary to cerebral ischemia. This study tests the hypothesis that administration of PNU-120596, a type-II positive allosteric modulator (PAM-II) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), as long as 6 ...

A neuroprotective strategy through a combination therapy is always being superior to any other singular therapeutic interventions, as these acts through a multifaceted approach within the brain during focal cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the development of a potential new combination of drug which can bring about desirable improved neuroprotection targeting different pathways against ischemic st...

It is well-known that ischemia causes disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which leads to the formation of vasogenic brain edema. One major mechanism of BBB opening is enhanced pinocytotic vesicle formation that may be induced after transient focal ischemia by several mechanisms, including nitric oxide production, release of neurotransmitters, inflammatory mediators and hemodynamic alte...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The seleno-organic compound ebselen has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although ebselen has been shown to protect the brain against stroke, it is unclear how ebselen provides neuroprotection. In the present study the authors examined whether ebselen inhibits neuronal apoptosis resulting from transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice. The cytochrome c r...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The physiological function of cellular prion protein (PrPc) is not yet understood. Recent findings suggest that PrPc may have neuroprotective properties, and its absence increases susceptibility to neuronal injury. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of PrPc in ischemic brain injury in vivo. METHODS PrP knockout (Prnp(0/0)) and Prnp(+/+) wild-type (WT) m...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neutrophil (PMN) recruitment mediated by increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression (ICAM-1, CD54) in the cerebral microvasculature contributes to the pathogenesis of tissue injury in stroke. However, studies using blocking antibodies against the common beta2-integrin subunit on the PMN, the counterligand for ICAM-1 (CD18), have demonstrated equi...

Introduction: Cytokines production as one of the inflammatory pathways in CNS is responsible for most brain damages following ischemia. On the other hand, during inflammation and brain ischemia, most of the renin- angiotensin components (RAS) increase locally. While it is established that blockade of RAS especially AT1 receptors has a protective effect on ischemia, the interaction of cytokines ...

BACKGROUND Xenon has been shown to be neuroprotective in several models of in vitro and in vivo neuronal injury. However, its putative neuroprotective properties have not been evaluated in focal cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to determine if xenon offers neuroprotection in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. METHODS C57BL/6 mice underwent 60 min of middle cere...

Transient focal cerebral ischemia leads to extensive neuronal damage in cerebral cortex and striatum. Normal functioning of glutamate transporters clears the synaptically released glutamate to prevent excitotoxic neuronal death. This study evaluated the functional role of the glial (GLT-1) and neuronal (EAAC1) glutamate transporters in mediating ischemic neuronal damage after transient middle c...