EXPERIMENTAL NEURONAL PROTECTION IN CEREBRAL-ISCHEMIA .1. EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES

Development of neuroprotective strategies for the treatment of cerebra l ischaemia depends ripen knowledge of the pathophysiological response s which occur during the period of ischaemia and during reperfusion. B oth in vitro and in vivo studies have been used to accumulate this bas e of knowledge; a brief examination of the results from the two approa ches reveal that they are in general agreement and often provide compl ementary information. Ischaemia in the absence of reperfusion can lead to neuronal death from protein degradation and DNA breakup. Resupply of blood permits increased free radical attack but energy supply can s till be limited as the cerebral circulation reacts to release of eicos anoids, and DNA repair utilizes ATP.