Neuroprotection by caffeine and pentoxifylline during experimental cerebral ischaemia

Cerebral ischaemia was induced in anaesthetized rats by occlusion of the ip silateral common carotid and middle cerebral arteries. The response to isch aemia was assessed by the reduction of the amplitude of recorded somatosens ory evoked potentials (SSEPs), and the rare of recovery of the SSEPs during reperfusion. Caffeine and pentoxifylline when applied at 70 mM to the cort ex for 60 min prior to induction of ischaemia significantly reduced the isc haemia induced attenuation of the SSEPs and hastened recovery to control le vels. In contrast, application of normal saline or of the drugs for 15 min did Mot reduce the effect of ischaemia on the SSEPs. These results suggest that caffeine and pentoxifylline have potential roles in the management of patients with cerebral ischaemia.