The effects of citicoline and/or MK-801 on survival, neurological and behavioral outcome of mice exposed to transient hyperglycemia and oligemic hypoxia

The effects of citicoline and/or low dose of MK-801 (sufficient to prevent the development of seizures) on survival, neurological and behavioral recovery following transient hyperglycemic–oligemic–hypoxic insult have been evaluated in mice. Neurological recovery was assessed semi-quantitatively on the third and the 10th day after the insult, and behavioral tests evaluating spontaneous locomotor activity, motor coordination and spontaneous alternation performance were performed on day 10. Neither drug given alone did influence survival rate, but the combination of MK-801 and higher citicoline dose decreased mortality on day 10. Behavioral performance was markedly compromised by the insult. Citicoline, but not MK-801, slightly but significantly improved behavioral outcome in all three tests. Conclusion: when brain ischemic insult is complicated with acute hyperglycemia, post-treatment with citicoline combined with MK-801 in low anti-convulsive dose improves survival and neurological recovery, and citicoline but not MK-801 enhances behavioral recovery.