Propentofylline reduces glial scar development following gliotoxic damage in the rat brainstem.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of propentofylline administration on astrocytic response following gliotoxic injury. METHOD: Wistar rats were injected with ethidium bromide into the cisterna pontis and treated or not with propentofylline (12.5mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) during the experimental period. Brainstem sections were collected from 15 to 31 days after gliotoxic injection and processed for GFAP immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that propentofylline decreased astrocytic activation until the 21st day, suggesting that this drug may have a role in reducing glial scar development following injury.