Authors: Zhang, Y.; Kimelberg, H. K.

Source: Current Neuropharmacology, Volume 3, Number 4, October 2005 , pp. 317-323(7)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Ischemic brain injury is implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke and brain trauma, which are among the top killers worldwide, and intensive studies have been performed to reduce neural cell death after cerebral ischemia. Alpha 2- adrenergic agonists have been shown to improve the histomorphological and neurological outcome after cerebral ischemic injury when administered during ischemia, and recent studies have provided considerable evidence that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can protect the brain from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus, alpha 2-adrenergic agonists are promising potential drugs in preventing cerebral ischemic injury, but the mechanisms by which alpha 2-adrenergic agonists exert their neuroprotective effect are unclear. Activation of both the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor and imidazoline receptor may be involved. This mini review examines the recent progress in alpha 2-adrenergic agonists - induced neuroprotection and its proposed mechanisms in cerebral ischemic injury.

Keywords: alpha -adrenergic agonist; adrenoceptor; imidazoline receptor; cerebral ischemia; neuroprotection; excitatory amino acids; sympathoinhibition; stroke

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157015905774322534

Affiliations: 1: Neural and Vascular Biology Theme, Ordway Research Institute, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208, USA.

Publication date: 2005-10-01

More about this publication?

• Current Neuropharmacology aims to provide current, timely and comprehensive reviews of all areas of neuropharmacology and related matters of neuroscience. The journal publishes reviews written by experts and leaders in the fields of molecular, cellular, and systems/behavioural aspects of neuropharmacology and neuroscience. The journal serves as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary expert forum for neuropharmacologists and neuroscientists.

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