Effects of L-ascorbic acid 2-[3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-1- benzopyran-6yl-hydrogen phosphate] potassium salt on cerebral energy state and consciousness recovery following transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils.

Effect of L-ascorbic acid 2-[3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H -1- benzopyran-6yl-hydrogen phosphate] potassium salt (EPC-K1, CAS 127061-56-7), a diester of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid, on transient cerebral ischemia was studied in Mongolian gerbils. Cerebral energy metabolism and intracellular pH (pHi) were estimated employing in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Intraperitoneal injection of EPC-K1 (5 or 10 mg/kg) prior to ischemia significantly ameliorated pHi reduction in a dose dependent manner during ischemia. After reperfusion, energy and pHi recoveries were significantly faster in the EPC-K1 groups than in the control group. EPC-K1 (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the extent of cerebral edema. Moreover, administration of EPC-K1 immediately after reperfusion significantly shortened the consciousness recovery in a dose dependent manner. The results suggest that EPC-K1 may exert protective effects on ischemic brain and may have therapeutic value in ischemic stroke.