Expression of MCP-1 and fractalkine on endothelial cells and astrocytes may contribute to the invasion and migration of brain macrophages in ischemic rat brain lesions.

Some macrophages expressing NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) and the macrophage marker Iba1 accumulate in the ischemic core of a rat brain subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min. These cells are termed BINCs (for brain Iba1(+) /NG2(+) cells) and may play a neuroprotective role. Because BINCs are bone marrow-derived cells, they are able to invade ischemic tissue after the onset of an ischemic insult.

[Two cases of cervical carotid artery stenosis with high risk post-operative hyperperfusion treated with dexmedetomidine after carotid endarterectomy].

Dexmedetomidine is a central alpha2 adrenoceptor agonist recently shown to be a safe and acceptable sedative agent for patients requiring sedation after brain surgery. We report two patients successfully treated by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with postoperative management under dexmedetomidine anesthesia for transient ischemic attack (TIA) resulting from severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Case 1: A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with aphasia and weakness of the right side of his body.