Minocycline: a neuroprotective agent for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the neonate?

J Neurosci Res. 2009 Feb 15;87(3):599-608. doi: 10.1002/jnr.21890.

Abstract

Minocycline is a second-generation tetracycline and a potential neuroprotective intervention following brain injury. However, despite the recognized beneficial effects of minocycline in a multitude of adult disease states, the clinical application of minocycline in neonates is contentious. Tetracyclines, as a class, are not usually administered to neonates, but there is compelling evidence that minocycline reduces brain injury after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. This Review focuses on the evidence for minocycline use in neonates by considering aspects of pharmacology, drug regimens, functional outcomes, and mechanisms of action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / drug therapy*
  • Infant Behavior / drug effects
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Minocycline / administration & dosage
  • Minocycline / pharmacokinetics
  • Minocycline / pharmacology
  • Minocycline / therapeutic use*
  • Necrosis / drug therapy
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Minocycline