Diffusion-weighted MRI of infarct growth in a rat photochemical stroke model: effect of lubeluzole

We studied the neuroprotective effect of lubeluzole, a NOS (nitric oxide sy nthase) pathway modulator, on the development of ischemic damage within the first six hours after a photochemically induced neocortical infarct in rat s using diffusion-weighted MRI and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) map s. A unilateral photochemical infarct was induced in the hindlimb sensorimo tor neocortex of Wistar rats. One hour after infarction, rats received eith er vehicle (n=10) or lubeluzole (n=11; a 0.31 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by a one-hour 0.31 mg/kg i.v. infusion). During the first six hours after infa rct induction, multislice T-2,- and Diffusion-Weighted magnetic resonance i mages (MRI) were obtained to measure percent change of volume of ischemic d amage, whereas regional ADC maps were used to measure time-dependent densit y of ischemic damage. Lubeluzole reduced the percent increase of volume of ischemic damage relative to baseline (at 1 h after infarct induction just b efore drug treatment), by 18% at 5 and 6 hrs after infarct induction. Lubel uzole attenuated the ADC decreases in the peripheral rim of the infarct, bu t left the ADC values in the core unaffected. In conclusion, the neuroprote ctant lubeluzole attenuates growth of ischemic damage as well as its densit y in the periphery of a photochemically induced neocortical infarct in rats . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.