Protective effect of FR35447 on experimental cerebral infarction.

The protective effect of 2-(5-chloro-2-phenoxyanilino)-2-imidazoline [FR35447] on cerebral infarction was examined in animal models. FR35447 in p.o. doses of 1 mg/kg or more caused a marked reduction of arachidonate-induced cerebral infarction in rats. Since FR35447 (10(-6) M) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adrenaline plus the divalent cation ionophore A23187, as did yohimbine (10(-6) M), the protective effect of FR35447 is presumed to be due to its blocking activity on the alpha 2 adrenoceptors of platelets. However, additional mechanisms appear to participate in the protective effect of FR35447 on cerebral infarction. A ten-day treatment with FR35447 in p.o. doses of 1 to 10 mg/kg/day decreased serum lipid peroxide levels in vitamin E deficient rats, suggesting that FR35447 may have free radical scavenging activity. Moreover, FR35447 (greater than or equal to 10(-5) M) increased red cell deformability. These effects of FR35447 suggest that it may be useful in preventing or treating cerebral infarction.