Continuous inhibition of 20-HETE synthesis by TS-011 improves neurological and functional outcomes after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

TS-011, a potent and selective inhibitor of 20-HETE synthesis, has been described as providing significant benefits in animal stroke models. However, no studies have investigated changes in brain 20-HETE levels after cerebral ischemia. Also lacking are studies of TS-011 pharmacodynamics with respect to brain 20-HETE levels that may explain the benefits of TS-011 in animal models of ischemic stroke. The present study sought to explore changes in 20-HETE levels in brain tissue, as well as in plasma, after a 90-min episode of transient focal cerebral ischemia. Pharmacodynamics of TS-011 were also examined. Then, we evaluated the long-term effects of TS-011 when administered as in this pharmacodynamics study. The major findings of the present study are as follows: (1) brain 20-HETE levels increased significantly within 7.5 h after MCAO; (2) TS-011 at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg administered at regular 6-h intervals appeared to reduce brain 20-HETE levels continuously; (3) TS-011 when administered as in this pharmacodynamics study improved long-term neurological and functional outcomes. These findings strongly suggest that 20-HETE plays an important role in the development of neurological and functional deficits after focal cerebral ischemia and that TS011 may provide benefits in patients suffering ischemic stroke. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.