Role of statins in cerebral vasospasm.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are widely used clinically for their lipid lowering properties. Recent evidence shows that statins are also effective in ameliorating cerebral vasospasm, which occurs as sequelae of subarachnoid haemorrhage. This review focuses on the pleiotropic effects of statins, and the putative mechanisms involved in statin mediated attenuation of cerebral vasospasm.
Sugawara
T
T
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University Medical School, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA.
Ayer
R
R
Zhang
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000235:genetics; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy; D020301:Vasospasm, Intracranial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III