Propentofylline (HWA285) inhibits the release of dopamine during transient ischemia and modulates its metabolism in rat striatum.

Propentofylline (HWA285) has been reported to protect neuronal cells through the inhibition of glutamate release during transient ischemia. We studied whether HWA285 inhibits dopamine (DA) release, and how HWA285 modulates DA metabolism in the rat model. HWA285 was perfused through a microdialysis probe placed in the rat striatum during 20 min transient ischemia. In rats perfused by HWA285, ischemic DA release was significantly inhibited, and DA metabolism showed better recovery in contrast with unperfused rats.