Neuroprotective Role of the Alpha 2-adrenergic Agonist Dexmedetomidine in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is a common and frequently encountered disease with high disability and mortality rates,and has severe effects on human’s health and quality of life.Cerebral hypoxic ischemia leads to an increase in the number of damaged or dead neurons.Recent studies have provided considerable evidence that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can protect the brain neuron from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.However,the exact mechanisms of this protection remain unknown.Activation of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor may be involved.Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective agonist of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptors with neuroprotective effects.This article reviews the pathophysiological process of ischemic cerebrovascular disease,the molecular pharmacology and the neuroprotective mechanisms of dexmedetomidine.