Compositions and Methods for Treating Neural Anoxia and Spreading Depression, 2009

Compositions and methods for protecting neural tissue (e.g.,
neurons) from anoxia and spreading depression (SD) involve
inhibiting the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway.
It was discovered that the PKG pathway plays a crucial
role in regulating SD and tolerance to anoxia in the central
nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of the PKG pathway
greatly reduces SD and increases tolerance to anoxia (i.e.,
hypoxia), while activation of the pathway exacerbates SD
pathology. The compositions and methods can be used to treat
any condition associated with SD or anoxia, including stroke,
spinal cord injury, neurogenerative disease, dizziness, headaches,
and migraines.