Reduction of zinc-induced neurotoxic injury by blockade of nitric oxide synthesis

摘要

The present invention provides methods of inhibiting release of zinc from neurons and of preventing zinc-mediated brain injury. Also provided are methods of improving cerebral blood flow while preventing zinc-mediated brain injury. Inhibitors of or activators of nitric oxide synthases modulate nitric oxide synthesis to reduce nitric oxide-induced release of neurotoxic amounts of zinc, thereby reducing zinc-mediated neuronal injury after brain trauma.