Background\nWe investigated the neuroprotective properties of levosimendan, a novel inodilator, in an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury.\n\nMethods\nOrganotypic hippocampal brain slices from mouse pups were subjected to a focal mechanical trauma. Slices were treated after the injury with three different concentrations of levosimendan (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 �µM) and compared to vehicle-treated slices. After 72 hrs, the trauma was quantified using propidium iodide to mark the injured cells.\n\nResults\nA significant dose-dependent reduction of both total and secondary tissue injury was observed in cells treated with either 0.01 or 0.1 �µM levosimendan compared to vehicle-treated slices.\n\nConclusion\nLevosimendan represents a promising new pharmacological tool for neuroprotection after brain injury and warrants further investigation in an in vivo model.
Loading....