[Neuroprotective effects of glycine in the acute period of ischemic stroke].
Both the efficiency of glycine in the acute period of hemispheric ischemic stroke and mechanisms of its action were studied in a double blind placebo-controlled trial including 200 patients. Orgogozo's and Scandinavian scales for objective assessment of the condition severity and of a degree of neurologic deficiency, and Bartel's scale--for evaluation of functional recovery were used and measurements were made of the levels of autoantibodies to the structural component of glutamate NMDA-receptors in blood serum and concentrations of neurotransmitter amino acids and of the products of lipid peroxidation in cerebrospinal fluid. Sublingual glycine application in daily dose of 1-2 g was found effective beginning with the first 6 hours of the stroke development during 5 days. Multicomponent neuroprotective action of glycine was established directed at correction of the unbalance between stimulating and inhibiting aminoacidergic neurotransmitters, as well as at a decrease of excitotoxicity and oxidant stress.