The specific NMDA receptor antagonist AP-7 attenuates focal ischemic brain injury

Pharmacologic blockade of excitatory amino acid receptors, especially the N-methyl-D-aspartate-preferring subclass of glutamate receptors, has been shown to reduce neuronal damage in models of global cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion. The pharmacologic blockade at the NMDA receptor attenuates infarct size following permanent focal vascular occlusion in brain. Functional recovery is improved as well. These effects were seen with treatment begun 15 min following the stroke.