Suramin-induced reversal of chronic cerebral vasospasm in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract
Object. The naphthylsulfonate derivative suramin is an inhibitor of growth factor receptors (receptor tyrosine kinases) and G protein—coupled P2Y receptors. Both types of these receptors are suspected of being involved in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In the current study, the authors examined the therapeutic effects of suramin and a selective P2X-receptor antagonist, pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS), in the reversal of vasospasm in an established canine double-hemorrhage model. Methods. Twenty-four dogs underwent double blood injection into the cisterna magna, with injections given on Days 0 and 2. The dogs were divided randomly into three groups (six animals in each group) to be treated from Days 2 through 6 with the vehicle dimethyl sulfoxide, suramin, or PPADS. An additional group of six dogs received double blood injection without any treatment and served as an SAH control group. The animals were killed on Day 7. Angiography was performed on Day 0...