Neuroprotective effects of acetylsalicylic acid in an animal model of focal brain ischemia

RECENT studies have shown neuroprotective effects of acetylsalicylic acid ( ASA) in cell cultures and hippocampal slices. The present study demonstrate s similar effects in a whole-animal modal of focal ischemic stroke. Focal c ortical ischemia was produced in Wistar rats by ligation of the common caro tid and middle cerebral arteries. Subjects were sacrificed 8 days after lig ation, and infarct volume was assessed via automated densitometry. Signific ant reductions in infarct volume were seen with i.p. ASA doses of 15 mg/kg and above. Reductions occurred when ASA was injected 2 h or 30 min before l igation, but not when it was injected 8 or 24 h before, or 30 min after lig ation. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.