Currently, many stroke-prone individuals take antithrombotic drugs, which have known antiplatelet properties, to decrease stroke incidence. There is now evidence that this regimen could also reduce stroke severity through neuroprotective, nonplatelet mechanisms that include anti-inflammatory processes. Inflammation was found to play an important role in atherosclerosis/thrombosis development and acute stroke progression. In light of these findings, prevention strategies that target inflammatory mediators are under investigation. A common secondary stroke prevention therapeutic, dipyridamole, has shown promise for reducing stroke recurrence without increasing bleeding. In addition to its antiplatelet ability, dipyridamole has positive effects on vascular endothelium and inflammation. This review explores the effect of dipyridamole during acute stroke, revealing its potential use for improving poststroke clinical outcome.
© 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.