Attenuation of free radical generation during reversible focal cerebral ischemia with the nitric oxide inhibitor, L-NAME (L-N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester).

The role of oxygen free radical generation during reversible focal cerebral ischemia and its relationship to nitric oxide mediated mechanisms were examined. In this study, a left frontal cortex microdialysis probe was placed into the previously defined ischemic penumbra region and perfused with a salicylate/CSF solution in the presence or absence of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME. Rats were then subjected to transient left hemisphere focal cerebral ischemia. Dialysate was collected at baseline and during the ischemic/reperfusion phase, and the hydroxylation products of salicylate were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. A significant elevation of free radical adduct formation was observed in the penumbra region during ischemia/reperfusion. This elevation was significantly attenuated by L-NAME during the reperfusion phase. Elevation of free radical adduct formation within the penumbra region during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may be mediated in part by NOS-dependent mechanisms.