The cerebroprotective effect of the non-
N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist,
NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)-quinoxaline.NA) on neurological deficit and
infarct volume (visualised with 2,3,5-
triphenyltetrazolium) 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in Fischer rats (n = 6 per dose) was studied.
NBQX (10, 20 or 30 mg Kg-1, i.p., 0,30,60 min) immediately after MCA occlusion reduced cortical
infarct volume by 45% (not significant), 70% (p < 0.05) or 75% (p < 0.05) respectively.
NBQX (30 mg Kg-1, i.p., 60, 90, 120 min) reduced cortical
infarct volume by 58% (p < 0.05). With a 2 h delay
NBQX was ineffective. Neurological deficits (with blinded assessment) were improved with immediate or delayed
NBQX (3 x 30 mg Kg-1, i.p.). The main adverse behavioral effect of
NBQX (3 x 20 or 3 x 30 mg Kg-1, p.i.) was
ataxia. The cerebroprotective effect of
NBQX in rats suggests a possible therapeutic role for non-
N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists given shortly after
stroke onset.