Neuroprotection in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 May-Jun;59(6):542-548. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2017.04.005. Epub 2017 Apr 30.

Abstract

Neuroprotection remains one of the holy grails of acute ischemic stroke therapy. The ability to protect the ischemic brain from injury until reperfusion and then to protect the brain from reperfusion injury could theoretically improve freedom from disability among stroke survivors. This manuscript reviews the molecular and cellular pathophysiology of stroke and summarizes pharmacologic and other therapies that showed promise in pre-clinical testing as neuroprotection agents. However to date, no compelling efficacy data have been published regarding any pharmacologic or other therapies. Nonetheless the search for effective neuroprotection continues at stroke centers throughout the world.

Keywords: Glutamate; Hypothermia; Neuroprotection; Stroke; Transcranial laser therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / complications
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy*
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced*
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Reperfusion Injury / diagnosis
  • Reperfusion Injury / etiology
  • Reperfusion Injury / physiopathology
  • Reperfusion Injury / prevention & control*
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents