2-Amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and nimodipine improve post-ischemic changes of brain antioxidative enzyme activities only when given together

The effects of nimodipine, selective blocker of L-type of ‘voltage-dependent’ Ca2+ channels and 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), selective antagonist of NMDA-receptors, both after single and combined administration were studied on the survival rate and activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and Na,K-ATPase in the gerbil cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and hippocampus after 15 min of bilateral ischemia and 96 h of recirculation. Survival rate was improved in all treated groups (80%) compared to untreated (34%), but without differences among different treatments. But, while single therapy with each drug has only minor or moderate effects, combined therapy with both drugs attains successful recovery (or protection) of the enzyme activities, especially expressed on the cell antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase) and membrane-incorporated enzymes (Na,K-ATPase). Thus, administration of APV and nimodipine in common exerts an increased effect on biochemical recovery and/or membrane protection after brain ischemia.