Effect of propentofylline on cerebral blood flow in a gerbil focal cerebral ischemia

Abstract

Background and purpose: Neuroprotection and improvement of cerebral blood flow are two basic principles of pharmacological intervention in acute stroke. Propentofylline, an adenosine uptake and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been shown to be neuroprotective in various models of cerebral ischemia. However, its effect on cerebral circulation in ischemic conditions is not yet fully elucidated. Present experiments were designed to investigate the effect of propentofylline on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the gerbil permanent focal cerebral ischemia model.

Methods: Focal cerebral ischemia in gerbils was produced by clipping one common carotid artery and contralateral external carotid artery. rCBF was measured in both parietal cortices concurrently by the hydrogen clearance.

Results: Propentofylline at 10 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally 30 min after induction of cerebral ischemia significantly increased rCBF in ischemic regions (increase of 94.6%). Effects were dose dependent. Higher dosage (30 mg/kg) induced reductions of ischemic rCBF, which were associated with significant decreases of mean arterial blood pressure. Lower dosage (5 mg/kg) was without significant effect.

Conclusions: Results suggest that propentofylline at suitable dosage improves rCBF in ischemic brain areas. Taking into account neuroprotective potentials of propentofylline, results offer additional rationale for clinical trials investigating efficacy of propentofylline in treatment of acute stroke.