N2 extenuates experimental ischemic stroke through platelet aggregation inhibition

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) can induce the platelet aggregation and lead to thrombosis. This will cause the low-reflow phenomenon after ischemic stroke and aggravate the damage of brain issues. Therefore, it is potential to develop the drugs inhibiting TXA2 pathway to treat cerebral ischemia.

This study aims to prove the protective effect of N2 (4-(2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoic acid) on focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury through platelet aggregation inhibition.

Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) is used as the animal model. Neurological deficit score, Morris water maze, postural reflex test, Limb-use asymmetry test, infarct volume, and water content were performed to evaluate the protective effect of N2 in MCAO/R rats. 9, 11-dieoxy-11α, 9α-methanoepoxyprostaglandin F2α (U46619) or adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was used as the inducer of platelet aggregation.

N2 can improve the motor function, learning and memory ability in MCAO/R rats while reducing the infarct volume. N2 can inhibit TXA2 formation but promote PGI2, and can inhibit platelet aggregation induced by U46619 and ADP. Further, N2 inhibits thrombosis with a minor adverse effect of bleeding than Clopidogrel. In conclusion, N2 can produce the protective effect on MCAO/R brain injury through inhibiting TXA2 formation, platelet aggregation and thrombosis.