Dexmedetomidine-induced neuroprotection: is it translational?

Abstract

Dexmedetomidine is often used in anesthesia and critical care medicine practice to sedate patients. Its neuroprotective effects have been shown in various ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injury models of animals. Randomized clinical trials have indicated that dexmedetomidine can improve outcome of patients under intensive care. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether dexmedetomidine can provide neuroprotection against ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; ICU; ischemic stroke; neuroprotection.

Figures

Figure 1

Potential mechanisms for dexmedetomidine to induce neuroprotection (ERK: extracellular signal-regulated kinase; PI3K: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)