Neuroprotection in transient focal cerebral ischemia by combination drug therapy and mild hypothermia: comparison with customary therapeutic regimen.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A combined therapeutic approach has been advocated repeatedly for treatment of focal cerebral ischemia. A clinical example of combined therapy is administration of nimodipine, mannitol, dexamethasone, and barbiturates during temporary occlusion of a cerebral artery in neurovascular surgery. We have recently demonstrated outstanding neuroprotective properties of a combination therapy with magnesium (calcium antagonist and glutamate antagonist), tirilazad (antioxidant), and mild hypothermia (MTH). In this study we compared this treatment strategy with the customary treatment options in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia.

METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=120) were subjected to 90 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion by an intraluminal filament (n=10 per group). In experiment 1, the customary treatment options (nimodipine, mannitol, dexamethasone, methohexital) were evaluated as monotherapy and in combination. In experiment 2, the customary and the new combination therapy (MTH) were compared. Mild hypothermia (33 degrees C) was maintained for 2 hours. Neurological examinations were performed daily. Infarct size was assessed histologically after 7 days.

RESULTS: In experiment 1, infarct volume was attenuated by 34% at maximum, with mannitol and methohexital being the most effective drugs given as monotherapy. In experiment 2, combined administration of the customary treatment options had no additive effect (infarct volume -36%). Combination therapy with MTH reduced total infarction by 73% and almost completely abolished cortical infarction (-91%). None of the animals of this group had any residual neurological deficit at the end of the observation period (P<0.05 versus all other groups).

CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of drugs (monotherapy or in combination) most commonly used for neuroprotection during neurovascular surgery is limited. The newly proposed combination therapy (magnesium, tirilazad, and mild hypothermia), which is based on pathophysiological considerations, seems to be a promising alternative for neuroprotection in cerebrovascular surgery.