Introduction
neuroinflammation, stroke, AIS, HT, excitotoxicity, rtPA, acute ischemic stroke
STROKE, SECONDARY
Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) within 4.5 h after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) substantially improves functional outcome [A plethora of experimental stroke models have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of Cerebrolysin and its ability to attenuate blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability [In our current study, we looked at the effects of Cerebrolysin with IVT versus IVT alone in AIS patients. The rationale behind our research comes from two aspects. First, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) increases the HT rate by degrading the BBB integrity, and promoting neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity [Our primary goal was the assessment of the HT rate. The secondary objectives included the evaluation of treatment safety and functional outcome. In addition, advanced brain imaging analysis was applied in an attempt to demonstrate in vivo the neuroprotective and BBB stabilizing activity of Cerebrolysin.