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Updated: May 23, 2026
09:29
2-Vessel Occlusion/Hypotension: A Rat Model of Global Brain Ischemia
Published on: June 22, 2013
Risperidone enhances the vulnerability to stroke in hypertensive rats.
Shu-Wei Song1, Yang Sun, Bei-Lin Su
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|April 11, 2012
Summary
Risperidone, an antipsychotic, increases stroke risk in hypertensive rats by causing neuronal apoptosis and endothelial injury. This study investigated the drug
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, may elevate stroke risk.
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if risperidone exacerbates stroke vulnerability in hypertensive rats.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of risperidone-induced stroke enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Administered risperidone to Wistar-Kyoto rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and stroke-prone SHR (SHR-SPs).
- Assessed tissue damage following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and measured biochemical markers.
- Evaluated risperidone's effects on neuronal apoptosis, endothelial injury, and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Risperidone significantly increased infarct size in SHR-SPs and SHRs post-MCAO.
- Survival time was reduced in SHR-SPs treated with risperidone.
- Risperidone enhanced neuronal apoptosis via increased Bax and promoted endothelial injury.
Conclusions:
- Risperidone heightens stroke vulnerability in hypertensive rat models.
- Mechanisms include increased neuronal apoptosis and endothelial damage.
- Findings suggest caution in prescribing risperidone to hypertensive patients at risk for stroke.
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