Microglia is a key player in the reduction of stroke damage promoted by the new antithrombotic agent ticagrelor

The ADP-responsive P2Y₁₂ receptor is expressed on both platelets and microglia. Clinical data show that ticagrelor, a direct-acting, reversibly binding P2Y₁₂-receptor antagonist, reduces total cardiovascular events, including stroke. In our present study, we investigated the expression of P2Y₁₂ receptors and the effects of ticagrelor on brain injury in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo).