title: Superior Neuroprotective Efficacy of LAU-0901, a Novel Platelet-Activating Factor Antagonist, in Experimental Stroke.
abstract: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) accumulates during cerebral ischemia, and inhibition of this process plays a critical role in neuronal survival. Recently, we demonstrated that LAU-0901, a novel PAF receptor antagonist, is neuroprotective in experimental stroke. We used magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with behavior and immunohistopathology to expand our understanding of this novel therapeutic approach. Sprague-Dawley rats received 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and were treated with LAU-0901 (60 mg/kg) or vehicle 2 h from MCAo onset. Behavioral function, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and apparent diffusion coefficients were performed on days 1, 3, and 7 after MCAo. Infarct volume and number of GFAP, ED-1, and NeuN-positive cells were conducted on day 7. Behavioral deficit was significantly improved by LAU-0901 treatment compared to vehicle on days 1, 3, and 7. Total lesion volumes computed from T2WI were significantly reduced by LAU-0901 on days 1, 3, and 7 (by 83%, 90%, and 96%, respectively), which was consistent with decreased edema formation. Histopathology revealed that LAU-0901 treatment resulted in significant reduction of cortical and subcortical infarct volumes, attenuated microglial infiltration, and promoted astrocytic and neuronal survival. These findings suggest LAU-0901 is a promising neuroprotectant and provide the basis for future therapeutics in patients suffering ischemic stroke.
authors.forename: Ludmila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Belayev
authors.forename: Tiffany N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Eady
authors.forename: Larissa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Khoutorova
authors.forename: Kristal D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.forename: Andre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obenaus
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cordoba
authors.forename: Juan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Vaquero
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Builla
authors.forename: Nicolas G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Bazan