Neuroprotection by caffeine and pentoxifylline during experimental cerebral ischaemia

Cerebral ischaemia was induced in anaesthetized rats by occlusion of the ipsilateral common carotid and middle cerebral arteries. The response to ischaemia was assessed by the reduction of the amplitude of recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), and the rate of recovery of the SSEPs during reperfusion. Caffeine and pentoxifylline when applied at 70 mM to the cortex for 60 min prior to induction of ischaemia significantly reduced the ischaemia induced attenuation of the SSEPs and hastened recovery to control levels. In contrast, application of normal saline or of the drugs for 15 min did not reduce the effect of ischaemia on the SSEPs. These results suggest that caffeine and pentoxifylline have potential roles in the management of patients with cerebral ischaemia.