Attenuation of extravasation of tissue plasminogen activator by the free radical scavenger, edaravone: evaluation in a rat thromboembolic stroke model

Objectives and methods: Deleterious effects of tissue plasminogen activator (WA) have been described recently in experimental studies. For example, tPA can aggravate ischemic neuronal damage through its proteolytic activity. The present study was undertaken to examine whether or not the free radical scavenger, edaravone, could prevent the extravasation of tPA administered for the purpose of fibrinolysis in a rat model of thromboembolic stroke. Results: Significant amounts of tPA were extravasated through the cerebral vessels even when early recanalization was induced by administering tPA at 30 minutes after the onset of schema. Edaravone significantly attenuated such extravasation of tPA. Conclusion: In acute ischemic stroke patients, combination therapy using tPA with edaravone appears to be a reasonable strategy for diminishing the negative effects of tPA.