Objective To investigate the effect of cinepazide maleate preconditioning on rat models of cerebral ischemia, and explore its neuroprotective function. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into cinepazide maleate preconditioning group (treatment-operation group), normal saline preconditioning group (control-operation group) and cinepazide maleate preconditioning without operation group (treatment-non-operation group). After preconditioning for 5 d, ischemic rat models were

established by the modified suture method of left middle cerebral artery occlusion in treatment-operation group and control-operation group. One day, 3 d

and 7 d after operation, the changes of behaviors and brain tissues of rats in each group were observed. In treatment-operation group and control-operation

group, the hemiplegia status was scored, areas of cerebral ischemia were calculated with TTC staining of brain slices, and the severity of cerebral ischemia

was compared. Results One day and 3 d after operation, there was no significant difference in the hemiplegia score and area of cerebral ischemia between

treatment-operation group and control-operation group (P>0.05). The hemiplegia score was significantly lower, and the area of cerebral ischemia was

significantly smaller in treatment-operation group than those in control-operation group 7 d after operation (P<0.05). No behavior changes and ischemic

area of brain slices was observed in treatment-non-operation group. Conclusion Cinepazide maleate may have a neuroprotective function in cerebral ischemia.