Metallothioneins I/II are involved in the neuroprotective effect of sildenafil in focal brain injury

► Sildenafil alters the inflammatory response elicited by cryolesion in mice cortex. ► Sildenafil increases MT-I/II expression in mice cryolesioned cortex. ► Sildenafil reduces apoptotic cell death and increases angiogenesis in WT but not in MT-I/II KO mice.