Protective effects of pamiteplase, a modified t-PA, in a rat model of embolic stroke

The effects of alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator, t-PA) and pamitepla se (a modified t-PA with longer half-life and increased potency) were compa red in a clinically relevant model of embolic stroke. Rats were treated wit h pamiteplase (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg bolus), alteplase (10 mg/kg infusion) o r normal saline. Pamiteplase (1 mg/kg) was as effective as alteplase in red ucing 24 h brain infarct volumes, neurological deficit scores and residual clot grades. Cerebral blood flow recovery at 30 min after thrombolytic trea tment was partial and did not correlate with 24 h infarct volumes or neurol ogical deficits. However, there was good correlation between 24 h residual clot grades and infarct volumes, suggesting a delayed timeframe for pamitep lase- and alteplase-induced reperfusion. NeuroReport 12:615-618 (C) 2001 Li ppincott Williams & Wilkins.