Neuroprotective effect of CGS 26303, an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Endothelin-1 has been shown to aggravate the ischemic-reperfusion injury in the neocortex of rats. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor, CGS 26303, on neurological deficit, infarct size, and extent of edema after transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery and bilateral common carotid arteries (triple vessel occlusion) in rats. In the pretreatment study, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a 90-minute triple vessel occlusion, and CGS 26303 was administered intravenously 30 minutes before triple vessel occlusion.