2-Chloro-2' deoxyadenosine prevents angiopathic changes in cerebral arteries in experimental SAH in rabbits.

We compared the morphology of the basilar artery walls in rabbits with experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) without and with concomitant treatment with a novel immunosuppressive drug, 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2 CdA). The treatment was successful in the prevention of the angiopathic changes, most likely due to its ability to inhibit lymphocyte activation in response to mitogenic signals. Since lymphocyte (and monocyte?) activation may play an important role in the development of the delayed neurological deficits in patients following SAH, the use of 2 CdA to prevent these deficits shall be considered.