Ca2+ antagonist and protection of the brain against ischemia. Effects of nicardipine on free fatty acid liberation in the ischemic brain in rats.

Using a model of global cerebral ischemia in rats, we examined the effects of a dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist, nicardipine, on the liberation of free fatty acids (FFAs). After decapitation of the animals, FFAs showed a rapid progressive increase for a whole experimental period of up to 60 minutes without reaching a plateau. Nicardipine in a dosage of 1 mg/kg effectively attenuated the liberation of FFAs, particularly that of arachidonic acid which is known as the precursor of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The FFAs of the brain have been known as one of the biochemical markers that indicate ischemic damage of the brain cell membrane. The results of the present study support a possible protective effect of Ca2+ antagonist against cerebral ischemia.