Abstract
The permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO) model was used to investigate
the cerebroprotective effects of the synthetic cannabinoid, dexanabinol (HU-211).
Dexanabinol is a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, with antioxidant and anti-TNFα properties. Twenty hypertensive
rats were subjected to PMCAO. Eight were given 4 mg/kg dexanabinol, i.v., 1 h after
PMCAO, eight received vehicle and four were not injected. Five rats underwent sham
surgery. Infarct volumes were assessed, as well as TNFα concentrations and NOS activity
in brain homogenates. Dexanabinol significantly decreased infarct volumes. It also
significantly lowered TNFα levels in the ipsilateral hemisphere although not to the
level of sham operated rats. No effect could be demonstrated on NOS activity. In conclusion,
dexanabinol may be a pluripotent cerebroprotective agent.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
October 12,
1998
Received in revised form:
August 7,
1998
Received:
May 8,
1998
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
