Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-mediated activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in traumatic brain injury: neuroprotection by 3-aminobenzamide.

Focal traumatic injury to the cerebral cortex is associated with early activation of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), where high concentrations of nitric oxide-derived free radicals elicit extensive DNA damage. Subsequent activation of the nuclear repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) causes a severe energy deficit leading to the ultimate demise of affected neurons. Little is known about the temporal relationship of nNOS and PARP activation and the neuroprotective efficacy of their selective blockade in traumatic brain injury.

Bradykinin B2, but not B1, receptor antagonism has a neuroprotective effect after brain injury.

The aim of the present study was to measure the therapeutic effects of bradykinin antagonists on lesion volume and brain swelling induced by cold injury in the parietal cortex of rat and mouse, respectively. Cold lesion was induced by application of a precooled (-78 degrees C) copper cylinder (3 mm diameter) to the intact dura of rat and mouse for 6 and 30 sec, respectively. At 24 h after the injury, the brains were removed and lesion volume was determined by the triphenyltetrazolium chloride method in rats.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor has a neuroprotective effect in a rat model of brain injury.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS I) inhibitors and a combination of NOS I and NOS II inhibitors on lesion volume after experimental brain injury. Methods: Cold lesion of the brain was induced by application of a precooled (-78 degrees C) copper cylinder to the intact dura of the rat for 6 s. Brains were removed 24 h after the injury and lesion volume determined using the triphenyltetrazolium-chloride method.

Inhibition of endothelin-1 by the competitive ET(A) receptor antagonist Ro 61-1790 reduces lesion volume after cold injury in the rat.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether endothelin-1 (ET-1) in cerebral arteries is inhibited by the new, non-peptidergic ET(A) receptor antagonist Ro 61-1790 and, if it is, whether that inhibition reduces the lesion volume induced by cold injury in the parietal cortex. In vitro experiments were performed by measuring the isometric contractions of the rat middle cerebral and basilar arteries. A cold lesion was induced in vivo by the application of a pre-cooled (-78 degrees C) copper cylinder (diameter 3 mm) to the intact dura of rats for 6 s.

A novel brain trauma model in the mouse: effects of dexamethasone treatment.

We describe a novel methodological approach for inducing cold lesion in the mouse as a model of human cortical contusion trauma. To validate its reproducibility and reliability, dexamethasone (Dxm) was repeatedly applied to demonstrate possible antioedematous drug effects. Following the induction of anaesthesia with halothane, the dura was exposed via trephination.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor has a neuroprotective effect in a rat model of brain injury.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS I) inhibitors and a combination of NOS I and NOS II inhibitors on lesion volume after experimental brain injury.

Methods: Cold lesion of the brain was induced by application of a precooled (..