Affiliations: ViaCell Neuroscience, ViaCell, Inc., Cambridge, MA,
USA | EBEWE Pharma, Unterach, Austria
Note: [] Corresponding author: Current address: Biotrofix, Inc., 604
Webster St., Needham, MA 02494, USA. Tel.: +1 781 453 0650; Fax: +1 781 465
6061; E-mail: seth.finklestein@biotrofix.com
Abstract: 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.
