[Receptor agonists as perspective neuroprotective agents]

Selective agonists of adenosine A1, GABAa, GABAb, and alpha 2-receptors (inhibitory neurotransmitter analogs) have a high neuroprotective effects (NPE) on two models of complete cerebral ischemia (CI). These NPEs are specific as they are inhibited by selective antagonists and, in addition, the selective alpha 1- and beta-receptor agonists have no NPE. The natural resistance to CI is also associated with A- and alpha 1-receptors. NPE does not result from improved cerebral blood flow. The receptor agonists protect the brain itself. They use a tolerance strategy and hypothermia is an important component, but not the only mechanism of NPE. Unlike most drugs, receptor neuroprotectors (RNP) guard not only a penumbra zone, but the core of ischemia as they are effective in complete global CI. Moreover, RNP-induced delay of irreversible lesions may increase a therapeutical window for using other drugs. RNPs are promising potential drugs in CI.