Apocynin may limit total cell death following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion by enhancing apoptosis

► Apocynin dose-dependently decreased infarct volume following ischemia/reperfusion. ► No apocynin neuroprotection when administered 30 min post-reperfusion. ► Apocynin significantly increased glutathione (GSH) levels. ► Apocynin significantly increased hydrogen peroxide and HNE-HIS adducts. ► Apocynin-mediated neuroprotection may be to enhance apoptotic vs necrotic cell death.