Attenuation of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Rat Neocortex by the Hydroxyl Radical Scavenger Nicaraven

Abstract

This study demonstrates the neuroprotective effects of a hydroxyl radical scavenger when administered systemically during the reperfusion phase after transient focal ischemia. The results provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence that nicaraven is effective against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain and demonstrate that oxygen free radicals generated during reperfusion are important triggers of ischemic brain damage. Furthermore, the findings suggest that nicaraven may be a useful agent in limiting brain injury after ischemic stroke.