The role of proteolytic enzymes in focal ischaemic brain damage.

摘要: Although various neuroprotective and fibrinolytic drugs are currently under evaluation in the acute stages of ischaemic stroke, their therapeutic potential is likely to be limited by unwanted side effects a narrow time window opportunity for intervention. Proteolytic enzymes involved catabolism peptide neurotransmitters structural cellular proteins normal brain have been implicated pathogenesis neurodegenerative disorders. We hypothesised that activation these might also play crucial role effecting neuronal injury, thereby providing site intervention human stroke. Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced thermocoagulation left middle artery aged (30 month) male Wistar rats who were pre-treated with saline or competitive N-methyl-D-Aspartate antagonist D-CPP-ene, which has shown young animal models Major protease activities analysed (ischaemic) right (non-ischaemic) hemispheres, following tissue homogenisation. Data using Mann-Whitney tests presented as means ± standard errors. Enzyme activity decreased brain; example, mean dipeptidyl aminopeptidase I 23 3 43 6 nmol substrate/hour/ml extract hemispheres respectively (n = 10, p < 0.05). Ischaemic injury not effected early proteolytic inhibitors therefore unlikely benefit