Inhibition of α4 Integrin Protects Against Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

These data demonstrate that inhibition of alpha4 integrin can protect the brain against ischemic brain injury and implicate endogenous alpha4 integrin in the pathogenesis of acute brain injury. The mechanism by which alpha4 integrin inhibition offers cerebroprotection is independent of blood pressure modulation and is likely due to inhibition of leukocyte function.