Progress in the study of Dopamine Receptor Agonists for Brain Protection after Ischemic Brain Injury

Abstract: Ischemic brain injury comprises 87% of all brain injuries and typically results in severe functional impairments. Dopamine, the most abundant catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain, is intimately linked with autonomous movement, emotion, sleep, cognition, and other critical functions. Following ischemic brain injury, patients have severe dysfunction of dopamine in the brain. Studies have demonstrated that dopamine receptor agonists, such as ropinirole, pramipexole, and piribedil, can mitigate brain injury through both receptor-dependent and non-receptor-dependent pathways. These agonists have significant improvements in functions including learning, memory, behavior, and consciousness. This article reviews the potential mechanisms of various dopamine receptor agonists in brain protection after ischemic brain injury.