Tissue plasminogen activator reduces neurological damage after cerebral embolism.

Abstract

Intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator immediately after the injection of numerous small blood clots into the carotid circulation in rabbit embolic stroke model animals caused a significant reduction in neurological damage. In vitro studies indicate that tissue plasminogen activator produced substantial lysis of clots at concentrations comparable to those expected in vivo, suggesting that this may be the mechanism of action of this drug. Drug-induced hemorrhages were not demonstrable. Tissue plasminogen activator may be of value for the immediate treatment of embolic stroke.

• Authors: J A Zivin, M Fisher, U DeGirolami, C C Hemenway, J A Stashak
• Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science) Vol. 230 Issue 4731 Pg. 1289-92 (Dec 13 1985) ISSN: 0036-8075 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3934754 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Topics

• Animals
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (therapy)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis (therapy)
• Rabbits
• Time Factors
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator (therapeutic use)