Blockade of adenosine A2A receptors by SCH 58261 results in neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischaemia in rats

BLOCKADE of adenosine receptors can reduce cerebral infarct size in the model of global ischaemia. Using the potent and selective A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonist, SCH 58261, we assessed whether A(2A) receptors are involved in the neuronal damage following focal cerebral ischaemia as induced by occluding the left middle cerebral artery. SCH 58261 (0.01 mg/kg either i.p. or i.v.) administered to normotensive rats 10 min after ischaemia markedly reduced cortical infarct volume as measured 24 h later (30% vs controls, p < 0.05). Similar effects were observed when SCH 58261 (0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to hypertensive rats (28% infarct volume reduction vs controls, P < 0.05). Neuroprotective properties of SCH 58261 administered after ischaemia indicate that blockade of A(2A) adenosine receptors is a potentially useful biological target for the reduction of brain injury. NeuroReport 9: 3955-3959 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.