Effect of MK-801, a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, on motor deficits induced by focal cerebral ischemia in the rat

Since NMDA receptors have been introduced as a therapeutic target، the effect of MK-801، a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist، was evaluated on motor deficits following ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In this experimental study، thirty male Wistar rats (300-350g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6 in each): intact control، sham-operated، ischemia and two ischemic groups treated daily with MK-801 at doses of 0. 5 and 1 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days. Ischemia was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 15 minutes. Motor deficits in experimental groups were evaluated using rotarod and incline board tests for 3 consecutive days. According to results، MCAO induced sensory motor deficits in ischemic group، as rotarod time and incline board angles were decreased in ischemic group compared to sham operated group (P<0. 001). The administration of MK-801 for 3 days at doses of 0. 5 and 1 mg/kg increased rotarod time and incline board angle in treated groups compared to ischemic group (P<0. 001). Our study revealed that MK-801 could improve motor deficits induced in ischemic rats. Thus، it may be suggested that MK-801 might have a therapeutic value for the treatment of stroke