Phosphodiesterase inhibitors: a potential therapeutic approach for ischemic cerebral injury

Cerebral ischemic diseases are among the most prevalent causes of death and the leading cause of adult disability worldwide. Although many studies have investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the cerebral ischemic injury, no effective pharmacological treatment has been established. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-Is) act by different mechanisms including, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neurotrophic and neurogenic, which are potential targets for therapy in ischemic conditions. Therefore, this thesis investigated the role of PDE-Is on the cerebral ischemic injury using behavioral and pharmacological approaches. Based on our findings we conclude that PDE-Is could be a useful approach to treating the functional impairments induced by cerebral ischemic diseases.