Liposomally entrapped adenosine triphosphate. Improved efficiency against experimental brain ischaemia in the rat.

Liposomally entrapped adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was administered intracerebroventricularly and intracarotidally to rats subjected to brain ischaemic episodes by clamping of the carotid arteries and lowering of the systemic blood pressure. It was observed that, when entrapped in liposomes, ATP greatly increased the number of ischaemic episodes before brain electrical silence and death. The results open new perspectives in brain ATP supply, which will potentially be useful in human resuscitation from deep brain hypoergic states.