Cerebral postischemic hypoperfusion is mediated by ETA receptors.

Effect of ETA-receptor antagonist, BQ123, on postischemic hypoperfusion in the presence or absence of nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (NLA), was investigated in Mongolian gerbils. BQ123 given prior to ischemia reversed the early incomplete recovery of cerebral blood flow observed with NLA without affecting the late postischemic hypoperfusion. Additional postischemic administration of BQ123 also reversed (P < 0.01) the late postischemic hypoperfusion seen in NLA-, N omega-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester- or Ringer's-treated animals.