The protective effect of adenosine A2A receptor antagonism in cerebral ischemia

Objectives: We reviewed our most recent work on the protective effect of adenosine A2A antagonism in cerebral ischemia. Methods: Focal ischemia was produced in rats by introducing a nylon monofilament pre-coated with silicone through the external carotid artery to occlude the right MCA at its origin. Results: A2A antagonism was found protective in the model of permanent focal ischemia induced by the monofilament technique. This methodology provides the possibility of evaluating the protection against the outflow of excitatory amino acids and against an acute motor disturbance, i.e. contralateral turning to the ischemic side in the first hours after ischemia in awake rats. Hours later, a definite neurological deficit and necrotic neuronal damage can be evaluated. Discussion: Our results suggest that A2A antagonism may be protective from the earliest up to several hours after the ischemic event.