The cerebrovascular, neuroprotective and antiarrhythmic properties of the anxiolytic fabomotizole

Abstract

Aim. To examine the cerebrovascular, neuroprotective and antiarrhythmic properties of fabomotizole (brand name Afobazole). Materials and methods. A comprehensive study of fabomotizole's effects on the blood supply, morphology and neuropsychology of the rat brain in various experimental disorders. We recorded cerebral blood flow and studied brain morphology in models of local permanent and global transient ischaemia, haemorrhagic brain damage, combined cerebrovascular and cardiovascular pathology, cardiac arrhythmias, and assessed the neuropsychological status. We measured the levels of GABA, glutamic acid, nerve growth factor, and heat shock protein (HSP70). Results. Fabomotizole improves blood supply, limits the area of injury, normalizes pathological brain changes in localized cerebral ischaemia, and eliminates neuropsychological damage in models of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. The drug increases cerebral blood flow in ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction and, to a greater extent, in combined cerebrovascular and coronary disease. Fabomotizole acts through the cerebrovascular GABAAergic system, as well as having significant antiarrhythmic properties. Conclusions. Fabomotizole should be considered not only as an anxiolytic, but also as a drug with potential clinical efficacy in cerebrovascular disease, with concomitant coronary disease and cardiac arrhythmias.