ACTA NEUROPHARMACOLOGICA ›› 2011, Vol. 1 ›› Issue (5): 49-55.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Neuroprotective role of the Alpha 2-Adrenergic Agonist Dexmedetomidine in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

HU Min 1,2,HE Zhi 1,2   

  1. 1. Pharmacy Department, Medical School of China Three Gorges University,Yichang,443002,China
    2. Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine research, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Three Gorges University,Yichang,443002,China
  • Online:2011-10-26 Published:2013-03-24
  • Contact: 何治,男,神经药理学博士,副教授,硕士研究生导师;研究方向:神经药理学;E-mail:hezhi2003@163.com
  • About author:胡敏,女,在读硕士研究生;E-mail:humin71325@163.com
  • Supported by:

    国家自然科学基金青年科学基金项目(No.81100873),湖北省卫生厅青年科技人才项目(No.QJX2012-27),宜昌市科学技术研究与开发项目(No.A01301-02)

Abstract: Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is a common and frequently encountered disease with high disability and mortality rates, and has severe effects on human’s health and quality of life. Cerebral hypoxic ischemia leads to an increase in the number of damaged or dead neurons. Recent studies have provided considerable evidence that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can protect the brain neuron from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the exact mechanisms of this protection remain unknown. Activation of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor may be involved. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective agonist of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptors with neuroprotective effects. This article reviews the pathophysiological process of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, the molecular pharmacology and the neuroprotective mechanisms of dexmedetomidine.

Key words: alpha 2-adrenergic agonists, dexmedetomidine, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, neuroprotection

CLC Number: