Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
4
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-5-1
pubmed:abstractText
The possibility of reopening an occluded cerebral artery by means of thrombolysis has renewed interest in a number of the several mechanisms that are active during acute cerebral ischemia. Over recent years, it has become apparent that leukocytes play a central role not only during the healing stage of brain infarction but also during the early phases of cerebral ischemia, when it is postulated that these cells produce harmful effects, particularly in the presence of reperfusion. This review is based on the critical analysis of more than 150 publications dealing with the role of leukocytes and some inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules) in cerebral ischemia. Animal studies indicate that leukocyte involvement is promoted by a variety of inflammatory molecules produced immediately after the onset of cerebral ischemia. Considerable experimental evidence suggests that these mediators play a key role in the progression from ischemia to irreversible injury (ie, cellular death and necrosis). However, the precise role of each molecule alone remains to be further elucidated as well as in relation to the complex network existing among different mediators. Progress in our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms operating in cerebral ischemia has enabled the testing of new compounds with promising results in animals; in contrast, one recent controlled trial of an anti-leukocyte molecule in acute stroke patients showed negative results. This discrepancy may derive in part from our incomplete understanding of the complexity of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in cerebral ischemia. Our analysis suggests that until sufficient knowledge of the underlying disease mechanisms is acquired, more care should be taken when testing new and potentially efficacious drugs in stroke patients.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Apr
pubmed:issn
1079-5642
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
18
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
503-13
pubmed:dateRevised
2004-11-17
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in cerebral ischemia: experimental bases and therapeutic perspectives.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Florence, Italy. neuroinz@cesit1.unifi.it
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review