To what extent have functional studies of ischaemia in animals been useful in the assessment of potential neuroprotective agents?
A general consensus is being reached on the use of a combination of mortality and functional end-points in clinical trials of neuroprotective agents. However, to date, few preclinical studies have examined the effects of putative neuroprotective agents on functional outcome after ischaemia. The data described in this review show the importance of combining both histopathological and neurobehavioural studies when evaluating the neuroprotective efficacy of anti-ischaemic agents in animal models of cerebral ischaemia. Here, Jackie Hunter, Ken Mackay and Derek Rogers argue that measures of functional improvement in models of ischaemia should be incorporated to characterize further the neuroprotection afforded by a compound that could aid the selection of doses and end-point measures in early clinical trials.
Hunter
A J
AJ
Smithkline Beacham Pharmaceuticals New Frontiers Science Park North, Harlow, Essex, UK.
Mackay
K B
KB
Rogers
D C
DC
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy; D051379:Mice; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents