Effect of pretreatment with an adenosine analogue, N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), on stroke outcome in rats

Adenosine A1 receptor agonists, such as N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N6-(R)-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), and N 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), are neuroprotective when administered prior to a hypoxia-ischemia (H-I). Activation of A1 receptors may also mediate ischemic preconditioning. It was hypothesized, therefore, that a single administration of CPA prior to a H-I insult would provide neuroprotection against H-I induced damage in the rat hippocampus. This thesis examined the neuroprotective response to CPA when it was administered at varying doses and varying time points prior to a H-I insult. Results confirm the neuroprotective effect resulting from activation of adenosine A1 receptors before a H-I insult, against H-I induced damage and suggest a possible therapeutic application for adenosine Al agonists for the prevention of stroke damage. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).