Further evidence for the neuroprotective role of oleanolic acid in a model of focal brain hypoxia in rats.

Ischemic brain injury is a dynamic process involving oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death and the activation of endogenous adaptive and regenerative mechanisms depending on the activation of transcription factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha. Accordingly, we have previously described a new focal hypoxia model by direct intracerebral cobalt chloride injection. In turn, oleanolic acid, a plant-derived triterpenoid, has been extensively used in Asian countries for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.