4.6. Drug Treatment

Animals were treated after injury with either the NK1R receptor antagonist, EUC-001 (synthesized by Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland), in isotonic aqueous solution, or with an equal volume of MK801 in aqueous solution, or with an equal volume of saline vehicle (vehicle). The dosage of EUC-001 for functional outcome studies was based on the BBB leakage dose–response curves generated using extravasation of Evans blue (EB) (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA). A further subgroup of animals that were surgically prepared but not injured (shams) were used as controls, as appropriate. For outcome studies, the administration of EUC-001, MK801, or drug vehicle was performed in a blinded manner.