Amelioration of ischemic brain damage by the preischemic administration of propentofylline (HWA285) in a rat focal ischemia

The protective effect of the propentofylline (HWA285) in a rat focal ischemia was investigated. The preischemic administration of HWA285 (10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the volume of ischemic damage both in the neocortex and the striatum. The postischemic administration of HWA285 failed to ameliorate ischemic damage. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential for ischemic core of the striatum. The neuroprotective mechanism may be related to its inhibition of both glutamate and dopamine release in the early period of focal ischemia.