Cerebroprotective effect of a non-N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, NBQX, after focal ischaemia in the rat
Smith, S.E.; Meldrum, B.S.
Functional Neurology 8(1): 43-48
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-5264 PMID: 8330753 Document Number: 408220
The cerebroprotective effect of the non-N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)-quinoxaline.NA) on neurological deficit and infarct volume (visualised with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium) 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in Fischer rats (n = 6 per dose) was studied. NBQX (10, 20 or 30 mg Kg-1, i.p., 0,30,60 min) immediately after MCA occlusion reduced cortical infarct volume by 45% (not significant), 70% (p < 0.05) or 75% (p < 0.05) respectively. NBQX (30 mg Kg-1, i.p., 60, 90, 120 min) reduced cortical infarct volume by 58% (p < 0.05). With a 2 h delay NBQX was ineffective. Neurological deficits (with blinded assessment) were improved with immediate or delayed NBQX (3 x 30 mg Kg-1, i.p.). The main adverse behavioral effect of NBQX (3 x 20 or 3 x 30 mg Kg-1, p.i.) was ataxia. The cerebroprotective effect of NBQX in rats suggests a possible therapeutic role for non-N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists given shortly after stroke onset.