Neuroprotective effects of lipoxygenase inhibitors against ischemic injury in rat hippocampal slice cultures

Using organotypic cultures of rat hippocampal slices, we investigated the possible involvement of arachidonate cascades in neuronal death following ischemic insult. Oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced neuronal damage was efficiently attenuated by various inhibitors of lipoxygenase. whereas cyclooxygenase inhibitors were less effective. Interestingly, 5- and 12-1ipoxygenases are likely to separately mediate ischemic injury in the hippocampus. The present study will provide novel therapeutic targets for the development of neuroprotective agents. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.