Nimodipine attenuates biochemical, behavioral and histopathological alterations induced by acute transient and long-term bilateral common carotid occlusion in rats.

Restoration of blood flow to an ischemic brain region is associated with generation of reactive oxygen species with consequent reperfusion injury. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induced by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries in rats is associated with behavioral and histopathological alterations. Nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, has potent vasodilatory effect on cerebral vessels and increases cerebral blood flow.