Novel approaches to treating acute ischaemic stroke

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Research efforts are currently focusing on the glutamate-activated nitric oxide pathway in an attempt to develop agents with neuroprotective activity. Inhibitors of extracellular glutamate, N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors are now being investigated for the treatment of cerebral ischaemia following stroke. Findings from preclinical investigations with these agents, and details of completed and current clinical trials, were presented at the 20th International Joint Conference on Stroke and Cerebral Circulation [ Charleston, South Carolina, US; February 1995 ].