Endocrine abnormalities and outcome of ischaemic stroke

Multiple endocrine abnormalities have been reported in stroke patients. In the past few years, it has been claimed that some of these abnormalities ma y play a role in worsening the neurological deficit and the outcome of stro ke. Several mechanisms have been hypothesised, including a direct effect on the development of neuronal cell death, vasospasm, and development of brai n edema. In this brief review, we discuss the current knowledge concerning the role of endothelin-1, arginine vasopressin, and cortisol in the pathoge nesis of stroke. Finally, we discuss the possibility that leptin, the OB ge ne product, may be the link of some of these endocrine abnormalities, and t hat its abnormal secretion during stroke may contribute to the eating disor ders and poor nutritional status often seen in these patients. (C) 2001 Edi tions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.