Salvaging the ischaemic penumbra: More than just reperfusion?

Abstract

1. The ischaemic penumbra is defined as a moderately hypoperfused region that retains structural integrity but has lost function. In animal models of ischaemic stroke, this region is prone to recurrent anoxic depolarization and will become infarcted if reperfusion does not occur. In the macaque model, an ischaemic penumbra has been identified for up to 3 h after ischaemic stroke onset, whereas in selected human patients it may exist for up to 48 h. 2. Although most definitions of the ischaemic penumbra stress a 'time-brain volume' concept, few incorporate the idea that selective and delayed neuronal injury plays an important role. Thus, in addition to necrotic cell death caused by acute inju..