Chapter 19 - Cytoprotection strategies for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage

Summary

This chapter reviews some of the cytoprotection strategies and methodologies that have been used to improve outcome in experimental models of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke (ICH). The majority of cytoprotection studies use rodent models of ICH, but other species, such as pig, are also used. A number of recommendations have been made to improve the quality of experimental ischemia cytoprotection studies. Studies in neonates mimicking periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage are also needed. Although cytoprotectants can directly target cell death after ICH, they can also limit injury by attenuating secondary deleterious processes, such as edema and inflammation. Unlike clinical ICH, the mortality rate in experimental ICH studies tends to be very low, and is not commonly used as an endpoint to gauge efficacy. Very few ICH studies assess cytoprotective therapies on very young or aged animals, despite the fact that significant differences in edema and neurological deficits occur in aged rats.