Propentofylline is a xanthine derivative and neuroprotective agent.1,2 It increases NGF production in primary mouse astroglia when used at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 3.33 mM, with the maximum increase observed at 1.11 mM.1 Propentofylline (20 μg/ml) reduces cell death induced by amyloid-β (1-42) in primary rat hippocampal neurons.2 Intravenous infusion of propentofylline (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg per minute) reduces infarct volume in a rat model of ischemic brain damage induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) when administered following MCAO.3 It inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterases, is an antagonist of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, and binds to adenosine transporters.4,5

|1. Shinoda, I., Furukawa, Y., and Furukawa, S. Stimulation of nerve growth factor synthesis/secretion by propentofylline in cultured mouse astroglial cells. Biochem. Pharmacol. 39(11), 1813-1816 (1990).|2. Koriyama, Y., Chiba, K., and Mohri, T. Propentofylline protects β-amyloid protein-induced apoptosis in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 458(3), 235-241 (2003).|3. Park, C.K., and Rudolphi, K.A. Antiischemic effects of propentofylline (HWA 285) against focal cerebral infarction in rats. Neurosci. Lett. 178(2), 235-238 (1994).|4. Nagata, K., Ogawa, T., Omosu, M., et al. In vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of propentofylline on cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity. Arzneimittelforschung 35(7), 1034-1036 (1985).|5. Fredholm, B.B., Fastbom, J., Kvanta, A., et al. Further evidence that propentofylline (HWA 285) influences both adenosine receptors and adenosine transport. Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol. 6(3), 99-111 (1992).