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Clopidogrel Administration Impairs Post-Stroke Learning and Memory Recovery in Mice
Marina Paul1,2,3, Jonathan W Paul2,4, Madeleine Hinwood2,3,4
1School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet drug, impairs cognitive recovery and survival in stroke mice by affecting brain immune cells and increasing vascular leakage. This highlights potential risks for stroke survivors taking this medication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Clopidogrel is a widely prescribed antiplatelet medication for stroke survivors.
- It functions by blocking the P2Y12 receptor (P2RY12).
- P2RY12 is also present on microglia, the brain's immune cells, where it's crucial for repair processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of clopidogrel on stroke recovery in mice.
- Examined impacts on motor and cognitive function, survival, body weight, and neurovascular and immune changes.
Main Methods:
- Adult male mice underwent photothrombotic stroke or sham surgery.
- Mice received daily clopidogrel or control treatment for 14 days post-stroke.
- Cognitive and motor functions were assessed; brains were analyzed for neurovascular and immune cell changes.
Main Results:
- Clopidogrel significantly impaired learning, memory, and reduced survival and body weight.
- Increased vascular leakage and altered microglia in the brain.
- Reduced T cell numbers in the peri-infarct region.
Conclusions:
- Clopidogrel administration negatively impacts cognitive performance post-stroke in mice.
- This may be due to increased vascular permeability, allowing clopidogrel to interfere with brain repair mechanisms.
