In old rats with simulated stroke from blocked carotid arteries, pretreatment with either Pinealon or Cortexin improved survival rates. Pinealon was associated with changes in behavioral patterns and a moderate increase in caspase-3 activity, suggesting it may promote cellular clearance processes alongside neuroprotection. Cortexin raised behavioral rest time but had different effects on caspase-3, pointing to distinct protective mechanisms between the two peptide preparations.
Mendzheritskiĭ, A M; Karantysh, G V; Ivonina, K O