Cerebrolysin enhances functional recovery following focal cerebral infarction in rats.

Background: Cerebrolysin, a preparation derived from porcine brain, contains a mixture of neurotrophic peptides. We tested the effects of Cerebrolysin in a model of stroke recovery in rats. Methods: Cerebrolysin (1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 ml/kg) was administered once daily intraperitoneally for 21 days, starting 24 hours after focal cerebral infarction (stroke) due to middle cerebral artery occlusion in mature rats. Results: Enhancement of sensorimotor recovery, as assessed by forelimb and hindlimb placing and body swing tests, was seen with Cerebrolysin treatment, especially at the 2.5 ml/kg dose. At this dose, enhanced recovery was found when Cerebrolysin treatment was begun at 24 or 48 (but not 72 hours) after stroke onset. There were no effects on body weight or infarct volume when Cerebrolysin was administered in this manner. Conclusions: These results suggest that Cerebrolysin may be a useful treatment for enhancing neurological recovery after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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