Protective effect of vinpocetine against brain damage caused by ischemia.
The effects of vinpocetine against hippocampal neuronal damage and on local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) were examined in a rat model of forebrain ischemia (10-min occlusion of the carotid arteries and hypotension). Histological evaluation of neuronal loss in the hippocampus was performed 7 days after ischemia. LCBF was measured before ischemia as well as after 2 min and 1 hr of recirculation. Vinpocetine (10 mg/kg) administered pre- or post-ischemically reduced the hippocampal neuronal necrosis, while pre-ischemic administration of 2 or 20 mg/kg vinpocetine was ineffective. Since vinpocetine increased the LCBF after 1 hr of recirculation, it cannot be excluded that blood flow improvements contribute to its neuroprotective activity. On the other hand, there is no clear evidence that an elevation of post-ischemic hypoperfusion could protect neurons against ischemic damage. It is, therefore, suggested that vinpocetine acts directly on brain cells.
Rischke
R
R
Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Philipps-Universität, Marburg, F.R.G.
Krieglstein
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000473:pathology; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014748:Vinca Alkaloids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D014748:Vinca Alkaloids; C013983:vinpocetine